§ 50. Mr. MILLSasked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government will consider, in view of the depressed condition of the Far Eastern markets, to what extent it would be possible to restore trade with China and other Eastern countries by establishing a silver basis for currency; and what steps can now be taken in this direction?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe suggestion seems to me impracticable.
§ Mr. MILLSIs the Prime Minister aware that the change over in India from the silver standard to the gold contributed quite a lot to the depression in the countries in the Far East? Can this question really be disposed of by the phrases the right hon. Gentleman uses?
§ The PRIME MINISTERMy hon. Friend must see that this is not a matter which can be answered in the sentence or two which is appropriate at Question Time.
§ Mr. MILLSMay I ask the Prime Minister whether he is aware that from the moment this crisis developed, from the moment the House began to sit until now—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is given information.
§ Mr. R. A. TAYLORMay I ask the Prime Minister whether he will consider taking the initiative in calling a conference of all the non-gold using countries with a view to finding a new basis for international trade?
§ The PRIME MINISTERTaking the initiative in that matter requires a great deal of preliminary preparation, and it is impossible for any one Government to take the initiative without consulting the others.
§ Mr. TAYLORSomeone has to make a start.