HC Deb 10 February 1931 vol 248 cc208-9
55. Mr. BOOTHBY

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he proposes to take any action designed to check the fall in commodity prices?

Mr. P. SNOWDEN

I fear that I cannot add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Bethnal Green, North-East (Major Nathan) on the 27th November last, to which I referred the hon. Member on the 2nd December.

Mr. BOOTHBY

Is it not a fact that so long ago as March, 1922, an international conference recommended international action to regulate and economise the use of gold, and does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take steps to summon an international conference to consider this question, which is a matter of international importance?

Mr. SNOWDEN

Yes, and I am aware of the fact that since 1922 a Tory Government has been in office for six years.

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

Is the Chancellor of the Exchequer aware that the withdrawal of gold during the past year has been greater than in any previous year?

Mr. BOOTHBY

Is it not a fact that the fall in prices has been twice as great during the past 18 months as in any previous period?