§ 30. Mrs. Ewingasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received from Scottish bankers about the present Government policy on the supply of money; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. DiamondNone, Sir.
§ Mrs. EwingIn view of the recent rise in unemployment in Scotland as against the decreases elsewhere, has the right hon. Gentleman not considered easing the current restrictions on bank lending, which have a direct effect on 1286 unemployment? Is his policy not like putting a starving man on a diet of bread and water to cure his neighbour's obesity?
§ Mr. DiamondI would draw the hon. Lady's attention to the undoubted benefits to our external position which has already resulted from a tight money policy at home. In the view of my right hon. Friend, it would be imprudent to relax these policies until the improvement in our balance of payments has been firmly secured.