HC Deb 23 January 1968 vol 757 cc185-6
1. Mr. Ridley

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will undertake to make a statement to the House after the next review of the United Kingdom economy by the International Monetary Fund in February, 1968.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Roy Jenkins)

The talks with the Fund next month and in July and November will be informal and confidential, and I cannot bind myself to make statements after them.

Mr. Ridley

But if the right hon. Gentleman is a sort of puppet on a string with regard to the International Monetary Fund, should not this House be informed of the conditions which are laid down in relation to the economy?

Mr. Jenkins

I do not accept the hon. Gentleman's permise or the conclusion erected upon it.

Mr. Dickens

What consultations took place with the I.M.F. before the review of public expenditure which was announced last week, and what consultations will take place with the I.M.F. during the preparation of the next Budget?

Mr. Jenkins

I had no consultations with the Fund prior to the review of public expenditure. There will be consultations in February, as the Answer implies and as the House knows, about the general economic situation, but this will not, of course, include detailed budgetary discussion.