HC Deb 10 December 1946 vol 431 cc971-2
48. Mr. Edelman

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what contribution in dollars he expects to make for the fulfilment of British responsibilities under the proposed arrangements to feed the British and U.S. zones of occupation in Germany.

57. Mr. Piratin

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the estimated sum of £125,000,000, for the reconstruction of Germany and of the current annual expenditure of £80,000,000, it is estimated will be spent in dollars or other hard currencies in each of the years 1947, 1948 and 1949.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Dalton)

I cannot say yet. Much will depend on Article 8 of the Agreement.

Mr. Edelman

Will my right hon. Friend assure the House that whatever our dollar expenditure is under the Agreement in Germany, no dollars will be diverted from the purposes of industrial re-equipment at home?

Mr. Dalton

Yes, Sir, I can give that assurance.

49. Mr. Edelman

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimated saving to the British taxpayer will result, in 1947, from the proposed fusion of the British and U.S. zones of occupation in Germany?

Mr. Dalton

I cannot say yet, but the prospect of some saving to the British taxpayer is one of the strongest reasons for the fusion of zones.

58. Mr. Warbey

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an assurance that, should it be necessary to reduce planned British imports from the U.S.A. during 1947 as a result of the agreement to finance imports into the British and U.S. zones of Germany, the necessary cuts will be made in films and not in foodstuffs.

Mr. Dalton

This is a hypothetical position, which may never arise. If it does, we shall take account of all relevant considerations.

Mr. Warbey

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that concern has been caused by apparently inspired Press statements which have suggested that it may be necessary to cut British food imports next year, and will he remember that British housewives would rather have their weekly can of pork from Chicago than a weekly can of dope from Hollywood?

Mr. Henry Strauss

Would the right hon. Gentleman also bear in mind that we cannot eat films?

Mr. Hogg

Have not films become the opiate of the people under the present Administration?