§ 41. Mr. LEACHasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what amount of securities has been offered to the Government by the leading banks, insurance and investment houses, for use in defence of the pound sterling; and how much of it has been accepted?
§ Mr. P. SNOWDENNo such proposal has been made.
§ Mr. WISECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether any attempt was made to discover how much might be obtainable or could be procured?
§ Mr. SNOWDENThat is a question that I cannot answer.
§ Mr. WISEWould the right hon. Gentleman say that the information is not available or that he refuses to answer?
§ Mr. SNOWDENI think I might say "Yes" to both those questions.
§ Mr. W. J. BROWNAre we to assume from the right hon. Gentleman's reply that it is only policemen, civil servants, soldiers, sailors, and teachers who are expected to come to the aid of the State in its hour of trouble?