§ 54. Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyreasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what suggestion is contained in the Note recently received by the Treasury from the Egyptian Government for a final settlement of Egyptian sterling balances.
§ Sir S. CrippsThe aide memoire recently handed by the Egyptian Government to His Majesty's Ambassador in Cairo makes no suggestions as to the content of a long-term settlement of Egyptian sterling balances, but merely discusses the date at which negotiations for a long-term settlement might begin.
§ Colonel Crosthwaite-EyreWill the Chancellor say which date is mentioned in this note as to when long-term discussions should begin?
§ Sir S. CrippsNo, Sir.
§ Colonel Crosthwaite-EyreWill the Chancellor say why he is not prepared to give this information?
§ Sir S. CrippsBecause the matter is now under negotiation.
§ 55. Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyreasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to state the total of sterling balances at the latest convenient date.
§ Sir S. CrippsI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the last White Paper on the Balance of Payments, Cmd. 7928.
§ Colonel Crosthwaite-EyreDoes that answer mean that, in relation to his last gold and dollar statement, no appreciation has been taken of the increase in sterling balances in arriving at the policy of His Majesty's Government.
§ Sir S. CrippsNo, Sir; it means that we publish the figures half-yearly, and I cannot anticipate publication.
§ Colonel Crosthwaite-EyreBut surely the Treasury must know the answer to the question, and while the right hon. and learned Gentleman may not be prepared to anticipate publication, will he give the figure known to the Treasury?
§ Sir S. CrippsNo, Sir. I am not prepared to anticipate publication.