HC Deb 06 December 1937 vol 330 c35
78. Mr. Craven-Ellis

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether His Majesty's Government will consider adopting a policy of accepting gold fixed at the international price of 140s. per ounce, not as a measure for the value of currency but as a commodity for the settlement of trade balances through an international clearing bank, of which all countries with central banks would be members?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

My right hon. Friend is not contemplating such a plan, nor is he satisfied of its feasibility.

Mr. Craven-Ellis

May I ask the right hon. and gallant Gentleman whether he and his Department have any ideas as to holding a conference on the international currency agreement?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

If my hon. Friend cares to send in a memorandum on the subject, I can assure him that it will be considered, but I cannot add to what I have already said in my answer as to my right hon. Friend's attitude.

Mr. Thorne

Who is responsible for fixing the selling price of gold?