HC Deb 09 July 1946 vol 425 cc234-5
60. Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total anticipated expenditure of dollars in the first 12 months that will result from the agreement to allow the imports of U.S. goods announced by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on 5th July, 1946.

Mr. Dalton

Not very substantial, even if the present list is extended.

Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether any concession has been made by America in exchange? Secondly, will he say why we have concluded an agreement which involves the expenditure of dollars, when we could have had much more advantageous agreements with France, thereby helping ourselves and that country also?

Mr. Dalton

We have to look at the picture as a whole and as it develops from moment to moment. The answer to the hon. and gallant Member's Question is that the total anticipated expenditure is not very substantial.

Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre

Would the Chancellor answer the second part of my supplementary question?