HC Deb 12 March 1946 vol 420 cc947-8
55. Mr. Eccles

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the trade negotiations with France have yet been concluded; and on what terms he has renewed the credit previously available to that country.

62. Mr. Edelman

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to effect a new financial agreement with France.

Mr. Dalton

I am now engaged in discussions on these matters with the French Government.

Mr. Eccles

Would the Chancellor give us an assurance that current trade with France will not be held up by want of credit facilities?

Mr. Dalton

I am now discussing with the French Government what we can do to assist Anglo-French trade, but I must repeat that we are not in a position to give large credits today. People must, on the whole and in general, pay for what they get with reasonable promptitude.

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it is most important that foreign countries should realise that friendship with us results in increased economic prosperity?

Mr. Dalton

Yes, Sir.