55. Lieut.-Colonel TODDasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, seeing that the industries of this country are at present operating at far below their actual capacity, and also that both production and potential consumption are available, the Government will take immediate steps to investigate the possibilities of making this potential demand effective by introducing a scientifically devised economic system whereby the purchasing power of the community may be equivalent to its producing power?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin)I am in some doubt as to the nature of the remedy which my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind, but, in any case, such wide issues cannot usefully be dealt with by question and answer.
Lieut.-Colonel TODDIs my hon. Friend satisfied that the present system is working in the interest of British industry?
§ Dr. BURGINI think I should want a good deal of definition of what the hon. and gallant Member means by "the present system."
§ Mr. LOFTUSIs my hon. Friend aware of the increasing demand by chambers of commerce in this country for an inquiry 479 into the whole monetary system, and will he recommend that such an inquiry should be held?
§ Dr. BURGINThe monetary system is another question and not that which is asked on the Paper.