§ 94. Sir FRANK NELSONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will be in a position to make a statement before the Eastern Recess as to the intention of His Majesty's Government in regard to the embargo on the export of gold?
§ 95. Mr. BOOTHBYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he proposes to make a statement on the currency situation before the Houses rises for the Easter Recess?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am anxious to announce a decision on this matter at the earliest possible moment, but it will not be possible to deal with it before the Recess.
§ Sir F. NELSONIs the right hon. hon. Gentleman aware that in certain quarters the opinion is held that the uncertainty which exists as to the Government's intention in regard to this question is acting as a deterrent to trade?
§ Mr. BOOTHBYIn view of the anxiety about this question will the House be afforded an opportunity of debating it before a final decision is reached?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIn reply to the first question, I have received some communications from various trade organisations pointing out the evil dependent upon the prolongation of uncertainty. Indeed, that element is obvious, and I can only say that the Government are endeavouring to discharge their difficult duty in this matter with a sole regard to the general interest, and that the utmost vigilance in studying the situation is continually operative on our part. So far as the second question is concerned, I need only repeat what I have said on other occasions in this House. I believe that this matter is one as to which it would be in the public interest that the Government should be left a free initiative, and that Parliament and the public and the Press should exercise subsequently all their opportunities of criticism.