§ 15. Mr. Doddsasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the concern that has arisen as a result of the trade gap for 1955 having worsened by £265 million, when compared with 1954; and what action is to be taken to deal with the situation.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the 24th January, to the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Grimond).
§ Mr. DoddsIs not the right hon. Gentleman much more deeply concerned than was suggested in the answer by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftI am just as deeply concerned as the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
§ Mr. JayAs uncertainty about the Government's policy in relation to the balance of payments is damaging in many ways, can the President at least say how soon the Government will make up their mind and make a statement?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftAt this stage I do not wish to add anything to what my right hon. Friend has said.