§ 4. Mr. Benceasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the estimated increase in dollar expenditure resulting from our present economic difficulties.
§ The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Derek Walker-Smith)I cannot at present add to the Answer which I gave to the right hon. Member for Huyton (Mr. H. Wilson) on 22nd November.
§ Mr. BenceCan the hon. Gentleman give us any indication whether the Government are taking measures to control and limit unnecessary dollar imports, in view of the essential need for fuel oil to keep our economy going?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithThe hon. Gentleman and the House are aware of the implications of action of that sort. I think the hon. Gentleman had better await the statement which we have promised to the House.
§ Mr. JayDoes the hon. and learned Gentleman's answer mean that the Government are now in such chaos that they neither know what they are doing nor the consequences of their action?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithThe right hon. Gentleman may find this unfashionable doctrine, but the Government like to plan their action before taking it.