§ 59. Mr. T. JOHNSTONasked the Prime Minister if his attention has been directed to the many authoritative statements made within the past two years upon the ruinous effects upon trade and employment, caused by the policy of currency deflation and the effort to re-establish a tree market for gold in London; if the Government is still guided by the conclusions of the committee on currency and foreign exchanges, commonly called the Cunliffe Committee; and if the Government is prepared to set up a Royal Commission of inquiry into our whole monetary system?
§ The PRIME MINISTERHis Majesty's Government are of opinion that the reappointment of a Committee on currency and foreign exchanges at the present time would be premature and inexpedient. The Government are still guided by the conclusions of the Committee on currency and foreign exchanges commonly called the Cunliffe Committee.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONDo the Government find themselves at variance with the outside expert such as the late Chancellor of the Exchequer, and are of opinion there is no problem to inquire into?
§ Sir FREDRIC WISEIs it a fact that there has been no deflation for nine months?
§ Mr. B. SMITHWill the hon. Member explain, if there has been no deflation, why prices are going up?
§ Mr. A. M. SAMUELAs this is a matter of grave importance, will the Prime Minister state whether he agrees with the proposition put in the question, namely, that the effort to re-establish a free market for gold in London has had a ruinous effect upon trade and employment?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI confine myself to the answer which I have given to the question.