§ 56. Mr. Skinnardasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of total United Kingdom and Empire dollar earnings is contributed by British Colonies and Protectorates; and what is the proportion of dollar expenditure allocated to these territories for the current financial year.
§ Sir S. CrippsWithin the sterling area comparisons of this kind between various countries are undesirable and misleading, as is the reference to a dollar allocation. Overseas territories, like other parts of the sterling area, are expected to keep their dollar expenditure within the limits of what is essential for their well-being and economic development.
§ Mr. SkinnardWhere the dollar allocation, if I may still use the term, is insufficient for the stimulation of the dollar-earning industries of the Colonies, does not the Chancellor consider it is fair that they should have a greater allocation?
§ Sir S. CrippsNo, Sir, not necessarily, because the requirements of some other persons may be still greater.
§ Mr. Oliver StanleyWill the Chancellor look into some of the cases arising particularly in the West Indies, where it would appear that Colonial industries are being very much hampered by inability to buy enough dollar goods?
§ Sir S. CrippsThese matters are always looked into with great care, when they are brought up from time to time, with every desire to assist the industries of the Colonies.