HC Deb 01 March 1944 vol 397 cc1401-2
16. Major Lyons

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether be will appoint a committee to inquire into the desirability of having one common currency for Great Britain and her Colonies.

Mr. Emrys-Evans

The existing arrangements provide fully for the prompt and easy inter-controvertibility of United Kingdom and Colonial currencies. There would be very serious practical difficulties in the introduction of a common unit of currency. In these circumstances no useful purpose would be served by the appointment of such a committee.

Major Lyons

Have the countries and the Colonies concerned been asked their views on this matter?

Mr. Emrys-Evans

No, Sir. I do not think the Colonies have been asked. There has been no demand in any of the Colonies, either from the public or from the Governments.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Has not the time come to have one cosmic currency, a currency for the world?