HC Deb 20 November 1940 vol 365 cc1959-60
46. Mr. Dc la Bére

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the creation of two new appointments at the Treasury, or, alternatively, seconding some few selected members from other Departments for the purpose of developing and infusing modern thought and modern methods into the Treasury practice, having regard to the need of efficiency and modern methods for the successful prosecution of the war?

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Attlee)

I cannot accept the implication contained in my hon. Friend's Question. I may say, however, that the Treasury, in common with many other Departments, has added to its staff a considerable number of persons with varied outside experience to assist in dealing with problems arising from the war; it is also the normal practice to arrange interchanges of staff between the Treasury and other Departments. Hon. Members will recollect, moreover, that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer recently asked Lord Catto to become Financial Adviser to the Treasury and invited a number of distinguished persons to form a Consultative Council; several of the members of this body are now giving a large part of their time to Treasury problems.

Mr. De la Bère

Will the right hon. Gentleman direct the attention of the Treasury to the need for modern and constructive thought in connection with the funding of Treasury deposit receipts? Is there not a danger that these funding operations may benefit the banks at the expense of the taxpayers throughout the country, and that these interests will be completely subordinated?

Mr. Attlee

No doubt the Chancellor of the Exchequer will note my hon. Friend's comments.

Mr. Shinwell

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, if modern thought has been infused into Treasury practice in recent times, it is not disclosed in the answers of the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

Mr. A. Bevan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is widespread apprehension that the monetary situation is getting out of hand and that inflation is proceeding rapidly, and ought not something to be done about it?