§ 52. Mr. G. Straussasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, as the political changes that have taken place in Europe during the last few years have so affected the usefulness of the Bank for International Settlements as to justify the severance of British connection with this body, he will now take that step?
§ Sir J. SimonI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on Thursday last.
§ Mr. StraussIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that that was no reply at all; that it simply referred me to an earlier reply which, again, did not answer the question in the slightest; and can he not now give me an answer to my question?
§ Sir J. SimonI think the hon. Member will agree that the previous question, at any rate, was in practically identical terms. The consideration raised by this question have been stated several times to the House, and I have no further announcement to make on the subject.
§ Mr. StraussWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that one good reason for severing the British connection with this body is that British association with this bank has given it a prestige which is dangerous and which it certainly does not merit under present conditions?