§ 62. Major NATHANasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is now able to state whether, in relation to the projected World Economic Conference, he proposes to submit any proposals on behalf of His Majesty's Government on the question of the adoption of a system of symmetallism?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hore-Belisha)No doubt this question will be raised at the 680 Conference. Meanwhile the hon. and gallant Member will recall the view expressed on page 18 of the Draft Annotated Agenda for the World Economic Conference submitted by the Preparatory Commission of Experts to the effect that the idea of introducing bimetallism must be regarded as impracticable. Much the same considerations are in the judgment of my right hon. Friend applicable to a system of symmetallism.
§ Major NATHANIs the Financial Secretary aware that the late Professor Marshall put forward a system of symmetallism as being the most likely to provide a stable monetary system?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAYes, Sir. I am closely aware of all that Professor Marshall and all other professional economists have said on the subject. Most of them are dead.
§ Mr. THORNEHas this information been published? Can we get a copy?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAYes, Sir.
§ 53. Mr. A. C. REED (for Mr. WHYTE)asked the Prime Minister if he is yet in a position to give the approximate date of the assembly of the proposed World Economic Conference?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not yet in a position to make a statement on the subject.
§ 54. Mr. REED (for Mr. WHYTE)asked the Prime Minister, if, having regard to the interests at stake, the House will have an opportunity of considering or discussing the proposed agenda of the World Economic Conference before it is drafted in its final form?
§ The PRIME MINISTERMy hon. Friend will recollect that the questions to be dealt with by the World Economic Conference were fully discussed by the House on the 15th instant in the Debate on the Motion introduced by the hon. Member for East Birkenhead (Mr. White).