asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to which countries invitations were sent to serve on the groups to be set up to advise on scarce raw materials; what answers have been received; and whether he can now announce the composition of each group.

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT particulars of the composition of the Commodity Committees and the dates on which they are to meet, as announced by the Central Group of the International Materials Conference.

May I ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer why no invitation was sent to O.E.E.C. as such and what arrangements he is making to see that the work of O.E.E.C. and these commodity groups is integrated?

The question of the relations between O.E.E.C. and the commodity groups is being discussed between Dr. Stikker and representatives of the other countries concerned in Washington.

Does that mean that the right hon. Gentleman has set up the commodity groups without consultation with O.E.E.C. and that there was no plan before the setting up had been agreed between the two bodies?

The matter was discussed in Paris informally between the Ministers in the O.E.E.C. Council and, as a result, it was decided that Dr. Stikker should visit Washington, but, as a result of the political situation in Holland, his visit was rather delayed.

Was Indonesia invited to take part, and has she accepted?

I am afraid that without notice I could not specify which countries have accepted and which have rejected the invitation.