§ 27. Mr. Biffenasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to discuss with the Italian monetary authorities the present arrangements for settling international debts.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsNone, apart from the normal exchanges of views on monetary matters generally in bodies such as the I.M.F. and the Group of Ten.
§ Mr. BiffenIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Dr. Carli, the Governor of the Bank of Italy, has now joined the growing throng of those who advocate more flexible exchange rates? Would not it be a happy occasion if the Treasury gave some indication of its intended conversion to this policy?
§ Mr. JenkinsNo, Sir. I am aware of Dr. Carli's views, which I study with close attention, but I do not think that this bears on the question of special bilateral discussions with the Italian Government about matters of international debt.