HC Deb 01 December 1953 vol 521 c946
42. Mr. Gaitskell

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has read the recent speech of Professor Erhardt, the German Minister of Economics, attacking the European Payments Union; and whether he will disassociate Her Majesty's Government from these views.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I have read the Press reports of Dr. Erhardt's speech. These matters are, of course, under current discussion in O.E.E.C. At the October Council meeting my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary and I made it clear that we support the continuation of E.P.U. in very much its present form until the time comes for a transition to a wider system.

Mr. Gaitskell

Does the Chancellor realise that that statement will give much satisfaction to many people in this country and in Europe?