HC Deb 08 December 1953 vol 521 cc1789-90
28. Mr. Osborne

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the growing fears of a slump in the United States of America, he will give an assurance that every possible step has been taken by Her Majesty's Government to prevent this enforcing a further devaluation of the £ sterling; and if he will make a statement.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. R. A. Butler)

I have nothing to add to the statement I made in the House on 6th November.

Mr. Osborne

Since the fear of further devaluation of sterling might be a hindrance to the import of British goods into America, can my right hon. Friend give a categorical assurance that he will succeed in maintaining sterling where his predecessors failed so to do?

Mr. Butler

I am afraid I cannot accept the statement made by my hon. Friend in any respect, and I have therefore no answer to give him.