– in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 19 Ebrill 1948.
Mr James Hutchison
, Glasgow Central
12:00,
19 Ebrill 1948
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what machinery he proposes to set up for negotiations with the Administrator appointed by the U.S.A. to co-ordinate the needs and the form it should take, of the 16 nations; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. McNeil:
The hon. and gallant Member is aware that, in company with the representatives of the other participating countries of Western Europe, my right hon. Friend signed the Convention for the establishment of the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation in Paris on 16th April. A white paper containing the text of the Convention, and of the Resolutions transmitted to the Council of the Organisation by the Committee of European Economic Co-operation, which the Committee also approved on 16th April will be placed before the House as soon as possible.
As far as relations with the United States Administrator are concerned, one of the resolutions approved by the Committee reads as follows:
The Organisation for European Economic Co-operation should make all such arrangements as may be appropriate to maintain close relationships with the United States Special Representative in Europe appointed in accordance with the United States Economic Cooperation Act of 1948, and to assist him in the performance of his duties.
In accordance with the terms of the United States Foreign Assistance Act, bilateral agreements will also be concluded between the United States Government and each participating country. It is expected that the negotiation of these agreements will be conducted through the normal channels.
Mr James Hutchison
, Glasgow Central
In view of these enormously important conferences, and the results that will flow from them to this country, has the right hon. Gentleman any machinery in mind whereby this House can consider these questions from time to time?
Hon. John Maclay
, Montrose District of Burghs
Can the Minister state whether the precise terms of the United States Foreign Assistance Act are available in this country, or whether he can make them available?
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
A document issued by the Government laying out its policy, or proposed policy, on a topic of current concern.Although a white paper may occasion consultation as to the details of new legislation, it does signify a clear intention on the part of a government to pass new law. This is a contrast with green papers, which are issued less frequently, are more open-ended and may merely propose a strategy to be implemented in the details of other legislation.
More from wikipedia here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_paper
Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.
