§ Colonel Lyonsasked the Prime Minister whether, in the interests of the people of Europe and to avoid shortage, price inflation and dealings in the black market, steps have been considered in advance to fix rates of exchange on an economic basis and to limit to a minimum the local purchase by Allied troops of foodstuffs and commodities when they enter the countries of Europe.
§ Mr. AttleeAs regards the procedure for fixing the rates of exchange, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to a similar Question on 4th October, 1944. From the outset of operations in North-west Europe very stringent restrictions off local purchases of essential commodities by troops have been imposed, and the matter is always considered in regard to any countries we may enter in future.