§ 59. Mr. E. SIMONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the widely held opinion that the policy of a return to a gold standard by further deflation, as laid down by the Cunliffe Committee, is likely to result in an increase of unemployment, the Government will reconsider their policy on this question?
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYBefore this question is answered, may I point out, Mr. Speaker, that it contains a statement of opinion on a very controversial subject. Is it right to say in a question that there is a "widely held opinion"?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI do not see the objection. Hon. Members often think that their opinions are widely held—even the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull.
§ Mr. PRINGLEIs it not a rule of the House that matters of argument are excluded from questions?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI do not think there is anything objectionable in the statement. The hon. Member suggests that there is a widely held opinion. He takes the responsibility for that statement.
§ Mr. PRINGLEAre we to understand that such expressions of opinion will be permitted in other questions?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI shall use my discretion in each case. I see nothing harmful in this question.
§ Mr. SNOWDENThe answer is in the negative.
§ Sir J. MARRIOTTIs there not a large and increasing balance of opinion in favour of the conclusion proposed by the Cunliffe Committee?
§ Mr. SNOWDENI think the hon. Member is quite as capable as I am of forming a conclusion in regard to that matter. It must be, of course, a matter of opinion.
§ Mr. SIMONIs the present policy of the Government that laid down in the Cunliffe Committee's Report?
§ Mr. SNOWDENGenerally. It has been stated more than once during the present Session since this Government came into office. I think I may summarise it like this, that as far as this is a matter of Government policy we have said that we are opposed to inflation, that we are generally guided by the Report of the Cunliffe Committee, and that we hope to see a return to the gold standard as soon as possible.