HC Deb 05 August 1947 vol 441 cc1290-1
59 and 60. Mr. Spearman

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will furnish details of the sterling balances held in this country by the State and nationals of every country on 15th July, 1946, and at the end of the week ending 26th July;

(2) if he will furnish information regarding the extent of our foreign trade credits and other external advances on 15th July, 1946, and 26th July, 1947.

61. Mr. Byers

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the sterling balances, with details, held in London by the Governments and nationals of each country or State outside Great Britain on 15th July, 1947, and on 2nd August, 1947.

62. Mr. Boothby

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give details of the sterling balances held in London on 15th July, 1946, and on 25th July, 1947, respectively.

Mr. Dalton

The collection of these figures, which involves securing and collating information from a large number of different sources, can only, in practice, be done at quarterly intervals.

Mr. Spearman

If the Chancellor cannot give us any details now, can he at any rate give the House an assurance that there is no cause for apprehension in this connection?

Mr. Dalton

I would hope not, but I would again prefer to deal with this matter in the course of the Debate.

Mr. Byers

That, again, is my point. Is it not possible for the Chancellor to give an approximation to the House so that the House may have an opportunity of making a considered contribution to the Debate tomorrow? Does the Chancellor realise the position of the House of Commons in this matter, where information will be given by the Government, very late in the Debate perhaps, and the House will not have an opportunity of considering it as it should do, having regard to the serious position we are in?

Mr. Dalton

We will do our best to meet the convenience of the House as a whole in this matter, but the form of the Questions that I am asked—and I am seeking to give a direct answer to the Questions on the Paper—is such that, as between two dates both very close together and so very recent, it is really not possible to give figures such as are desired, because it involves collection from literally hundreds, if not thousands, of different sources, from great numbers of banks all over the world, and so on.