§ 43. Mr. Liptonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what arrangement has been made with the Federal Government about support costs of British forces in Germany.
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. J. E. S. Simon)I can add nothing to the communiqué issued by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation on Monday, 14th April.
§ Mr. LiptonAs the British Government are always outsmarted by Dr. Adenauer's Government in these matters —[Interruption.]—yes, always outsmarted—may we have an assurance that the Government will insist on a contribution of at least £47 million, which is the minimum necessary to cover our currency commitments in this matter? Is not it quite ridiculous that we should he depleting our gold and dollar reserves for the purpose of helping Western Germany, which has 50 per cent. more gold and dollar reserves than we have? Will the Minister look at a very interesting article in the Evening Standard of two days ago by my right hon. Friend the Member for Bishop Auckland (Mr. Dalton), which gave some very wise information and 160 sound advice to the Government in this matter? [Interruption.] May I finish my supplementary question, Mr. Speaker?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Gentleman is really prolonging his supplementary question beyond a reasonable length.
§ Mr. LiptonMay I ask the Financial Secretary to answer the questions which I have put to him without further equivocation or beating about the bush? May we have that undertaking?
§ Mr. SimonBeyond saying that I shall with interest and profit read the article to which the hon. Gentleman has referred, I cannot add to my original Answer.
§ Mr. ChetwyndCan the hon. and learned Gentleman say how long we shall have to wait before we know how much money we are to get, in what form we shall get it, or whether we are to get any at all?