§ 53. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set up a committee of experts, to include the chairmen of the big five banks and representatives of other important bodies, to advise and suggest methods to overcome the crisis caused by inflation.
§ Sir S. CrippsI am afraid that the hon. Member's suggestion does not commend itself to me.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs the Chancellor of the Exchequer afraid that a few facts 1766 and an element of truth would blow his Socialist principles sky high?
§ Sir S. CrippsNo, Sir, but having read the statements of the chairmen of the five banks I think I might get different opinions.
§ Mr. StokesWas it not these very gentlemen who created the national inflation, which was once aptly described as "Wind in the national belly"?
§ 62. Mr. M. Lindsayasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by what date, if present trends continue, will British capital resources be exhausted; and whether he will issue a statement giving the cuts in food which will then be necessary and an estimate of the unemployment which it is anticipated will then result from lack of imported raw materials in order to make the general public conscious of their peril and to obtain increased production.
§ Sir S. CrippsThe hon. Member should await the Economic Survey. In the meantime, Cmd. 7324 has, I am sure, emphasised to the House the dangers of our position.
§ Mr. LindsayIs the Minister aware that it is an exceedingly disappointing reply, although it is only on all fours with Government policy to deal with the crisis?