§ 39. Mr. Shinwellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, at a recent conference with representatives of Dominion countries, currency questions were under review; what conclusions were reached; whether these were satisfactory to the Dominions; and did His Majesty's Government retain the right to conclude agreements with the Dominions if wider agreements among the United Nations should not prove possible.
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir John Anderson)There have been a number of discussions within the last two years between the United Kingdom officials and officials of the Dominions and India, regarding post-war monetary arrangements. These have been expert and exploratory discussions. The stage of reaching conclusions on the part of the Governments concerned has not yet arrived, and it will be remembered that I have told the House that no commitments will be entered into until after this question has been discussed in Parliament. The last part of the Question does not, therefore, arise. But I may say that it will certainly be the policy of the United Kingdom Government to retain the right to maintain monetary arrangements with the Dominions and India if 1550 wider agreements among the United Nations should not prove possible, and, further, it will be their policy to maintain such arrangements within the framework of any such wider agreement.
§ Mr. ShinwellThat is very satisfactory so far as it goes, but will my right hon. Friend say whether the latter part of the reply has been communicated to the Dominion Governments?
§ Sir J. AndersonIt is well understood.