Post-war Economic Policy

HC Deb 26 January 1943 vol 386 c365

63. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to make a full statement of the Government's post-war economic policy?

Sir K. Wood

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave my right hon. Friend the Member for Horsham and Worthing (Earl Winterton) in the course of the Finance Debate on 16th December last.

Mr. De la Bère

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that to endeavour to debate the Beveridge Report without knowing the economic national policy of the Government renders it ineffective, and will he not endeavour to throw some light on it?

Sir K. Wood

That is indicated in the reply.

Mr. Shinwell

Ought we not to make up our own minds on post-war economic policy before another nation does it for us?

Sir W. Davison

Surely the Government could give some indication of our probable commitments in other directions before we are asked to discuss them in this direction?

Sir K. Wood

It is not my duty to speak of the Business of the House, but I understand that there will be an opportunity for a Debate on the matter.