§ 20. Sir F. WISEasked the Chancellor of Exchequer if he can officially announce the position of the negotiations between the Bank of England and the Bank of France in regard to gold?
§ Mr. McNEILLNo, Sir. These are private negotiations between the two banks.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGECan my right hon. Friend say when an announcement is likely to be made on the subject of these negotiations?
§ Mr. McNEILLI cannot say at all whether any announcement will be made.
§ Sir F. WISEAs the arrangement between France and ourselves with regard to the Allied Debt had an option on gold, does not this affect the actual position of this country in regard to gold?
§ Mr. McNEILLThat may be, but I do not think that it comes under the question of my hon. Friend. As a matter of fact, these particular negotiations are private negotiations between the two banks. In so far as public interests are involved, they may arise otherwise.