HC Deb 31 July 1930 vol 242 cc696-7
56. Mr. MORLEY

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider the early abandonment of the gold exchange standard and the substitution for it of a managed paper currency on such a basis as to reduce the burden of the National Debt on the Exchequer and the burden of fixed charges upon industry?

Mr. SNOWDEN

No, Sir; the suggested remedy would, I am afraid, produce evils far worse than those it was designed to cure.

Mr. MORLEY

Will the Chancellor of the Exchequer consider the alternative policy of imposing a special tax on incomes derived from War Debt investments?

Mr. HAMMERSLEY

Will the Chancellor of the Exchequer say if any legislation has been passed, or regulations agreed to, which would interfere with the freedom of this country at a later date in regard to the gold standard?

Mr. SNOWDEN

I am not aware of any.

Mr. HAYCOCK

Is it not a fact that we have not a gold standard at all, but a dollar standard?