§ 63. Mr. Osborneasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the decision of the Government that the United Kingdom is now economically independent of Marshall Aid has been communicated officially to the United States Government.
§ The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. John Edwards)I would ask the hon. Member to await the announcement which will be made after the conclusion of the present talks on this subject. In the meantime, I have nothing to add to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 31st October.
§ Mr. OsborneWhen is it anticipated that these talks will be concluded? May we have a statement immediately after they have finished? Have the Government any idea as to the amount of Marshall Aid we require, and for how long?
§ Mr. EdwardsI cannot anticipate when the talks will be concluded, but my right hon. Friend will certainly make a statement as soon as they have been concluded. As to the second part of the question, that seems to raise an entirely different point.
§ Lieut.-Commander BraithwaiteHas there not been a statement by the Home Secretary subsequent to that of the Prime Minister on 31st October?
§ Mr. EdwardsThe Home Secretary's statement does not in any way controvert what the Prime Minister said.