41. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps the Government are taking, prior to the cessation of the present hostilities, to prevent the re-development of the excessive power of those who trade in money?
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir Kingsley Wood)I am afraid that the wide issues raised by my hon. Friend's Question cannot be dealt with within the compass of a reply to a Parliamentary Question. I cannot accept the implications in his Question as to the pre-war position.
Mr. De la BèreWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that over and over again the question of bank charges to agriculturists has been raised? Is he not aware that I saw him personally on this question and that he said he would go into it, and would not that be one of these matters which could be done in the middle of a war, when food production is so vital? Will my right hon. Friend ponder that?
§ Sir K. WoodI will ponder that.
Mr. De la BèreWill my right hon. Friend appreciate that it is no good sitting mentally still and saying that nothing can be done?