HC Deb 25 October 1949 vol 468 cc1152-3
44. Mr. Walter Fletcher

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the unsettled condition of the world and the consequent importance of the closest co-operation with the other States of the Commonwealth, Western Europe and the sterling area, he will take steps for the future consultation with them before financial or economic decisions are taken by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom which affect the financial or economic stability of any one of these States.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

Yes, Sir, so far as circumstances permit, as we have done in the past.

Mr. Fletcher

In view of the fact that the recent incidents produced disastrous effects both in India and Pakistan and in France, and in view of the need to reestablish confidence in sterling, will the Prime Minister make some statement that there will be real consultation in good time in the future so as not to produce these bad results?

The Prime Minister

I do not accept what the hon. Member says. He has great business experience and has heard full replies on this. I should have thought it was obvious to anyone that matters of this sort could not be discussed in wide circles beforehand.