HC Deb 15 April 1948 vol 449 cc1163-4
48. Mr. Platts-Mills

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now make a statement on the arrangements for financing imports into the United Kingdom from Canada.

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Douglas Jay)

This matter is at present the subject of discussion, and I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Mr. Platts-Mills

In view of the obvious difficulties that have arisen in continuing trading relations between ourselves and Canada, does it mean that Mr. Marshall, who is already directing our trade in Europe, is seeking to direct our trade with the Empire as well?

Mr. Jay

It is quite true that without the European Recovery Programme, this problem would have been insoluble, but with the help of the programme we hope a solution has been reached.