HC Deb 21 September 1931 vol 256 cc1279-80
47. Mr. McSHANE

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the difficulties of the international financial system, he will consider the possibilities of the exchange of goods by barter, as in the case of the United States and Brazil?

The PRIME MINISTER

I do not know of any instance in which such a course would be practicable.

Mr. McSHANE

As this system has already succeeded in the case of the United States and Brazil, would it not be possible at any rate to examine this question further?

The PRIME MINISTER

There could be an examination, certainly; but the conditions are not the same.

Mr. WISE

In view of the statement made from the Treasury Bench several times last week that if we went off the gold standard international trade would break down, what steps do the Government propose to restart trade?

The PRIME MINISTER

It is perfectly obvious that that question cannot be answered within the limits of an answer to a supplementary question.