HC Deb 12 February 1946 vol 419 cc173-4
51. Mrs. Castle

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has initiated conversations with our overseas suppliers to secure supplies through a continuation of the sterling area pool and the payments agreements now in force, in case of a postponement or refusal of the loan by the U.S.A.

Mr. Dalton

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply on 28th January, to my hon. Friend the Member for Northampton (Mr. Paget).

Mrs. Castle

Have representations been made, or will they be made, to the United States Government to the effect that an early decision on the loan by Congress is an essential part of the contract so far as this country is concerned, if the neces sary arrangements are to be made to safeguard the livelihood of our people?

Mr. Dalton

I prefer to leave my answer in the words I used.

Mr. Norman Smith

Will my right hon. Friend say whether there is any chance of our getting the loan?