52. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state, in view of the operation of the Johnson Act which barred governments which had defaulted on inter-governmental loans from raising loans of any kind in the United States, what steps are the Government taking to ensure that the necessary financial resources will be available for the purchase of food supplies in case of emergency in the event of war?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleMy right hon. Friend appreciates the importance of this point, but it would not be possible for him to make any statement in regard to the method of dealing with financial problems which might arise in the event of war, since this would depend on all the circumstances then existing.
Mr. De la BèreCan my right hon. and gallant Friend assure the House that the Government will consider taking steps to obtain credit for food supplies from the United States in the event of an emergency?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleI can assure my hon. Friend that my right hon. Friend is paying regard to all relevant considerations.