§ 48. Mr. Austinasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions are proceeding with the United States and Canadian Governments regarding payment in sterling for imports from these countries; and if he will make a statement.
§ 52. Squadron-Leader Kinghornasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will initiate discussions with a view to persuading Canada to enter fully or partially into the sterling area.
§ Sir S. CrippsNo such discussions are at present proceeding with either Government. Propositions of this kind require precise definition as well as extremely careful examination before any considered judgment can be passed upon them.
§ Mr. AustinIn view of our need for a large variety of commodities, and in view of the surpluses which exist in America, this is surely an eminently reasonable solution of the problem?
§ Sir S. CrippsIt is a matter which can be examined.
§ Squadron-Leader KinghornWhile I agree that a proposition of this kind needs careful preparation and consideration, I would ask the Chancellor whether it is not due to our position of leadership of the sterling area that the initiative should come from us before smaller parts of the sterling area, for example, Southern Rhodesia, in considering this question?
§ Sir S. CrippsI have no knowledge of Southern Rhodesia making such a proposition.