HC Deb 25 February 1947 vol 433 cc1882-3
58. Mr. M. Lindsay

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of dollar credits was spent on the purchase of capital goods during January, 1947, or during the last month for which figures are available.

Mr. Dalton

Five per cent. of our imports from U.S.A. in December were machinery.

Mr. Lindsay

May I ask how the right hon. Gentleman reconciles the figure he has given with the statement made to the House on 12th December, 1945, that it is indispensable some considerable part of the dollar credit should be spent on the purchase of capital goods? Does he consider 5 per cent, is a considerable part?

Mr. Dalton

I stand ready to deliver dollars for any orders for machinery from the United States sponsored by any Government Department.

Colonel Crosthwaite Eyre

Can the Chancellor of the Exchequer give the corresponding figure for Canadian dollars?

Mr. Dalton

Not without notice.

Mr. Jennings

Can the Chancellor say why the Government Departments have not made these claims? Surely they must be asleep.