HC Deb 10 May 1966 vol 728 cc204-5
27. Mr. St. John-Stevas

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he will now take steps to reduce the inflated dollar premium.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. James Callaghan)

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to my Budget speech.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

Does not the fantastic present level of the premium at 26 per cent. indicate how far the Chancellor has succeeded in undermining investment confidence in Britain? Can the right hon. Gentleman confirm that the present rate of the premium is now actually reducing the yield to the Treasury?

Mr. Callaghan

The answer to both parts of that question is, "No, Sir".

Sir G. Nabarro

Would the Chancellor hear in mind that the United States of America is Britain's largest export market and that this present very high level of dollar premium is militating against the further expansion of exports to North America?

Mr. Callaghan

No, I do not accept that. The hon. Gentleman will not have overlooked what has been happening on Wall Street recently, which may well have affected the premium.