§ 29. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with other member nations on the impact of devaluation on their economies.
§ 33. Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what consultations took place with Commonwealth Governments holding sterling balances in the 14 days prior to devaluation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. George ThomsonThe Governments of all Commonwealth countries were given advance notice of our intention to devalue and there have been exchanges of messages since.
§ 35. Mr. Kenneth Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what he estimates will be the effect of the devaluation of the £ sterling on United Kingdom trade and relationship with Australia, in view of Australia's decision not to devalue.
§ Mr. WhitlockIt is impossible at this stage to forecast exactly what will be the effects of devaluation on our trade with Australia. In general, the competitive position of British exports should be improved. I see no reason why the always close and cordial relationship between the two countries should be in any way affected.
§ 41. Mr. Goodhartasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what extra costs will be borne by his Department as a result of the devaluation of the £ sterling.
§ Mr. George ThomsonThe cost of grants and services provided by the Commonwealth Office, and the cost of the maintenance of British High Commissions overseas which is borne from funds provided for the Diplomatic Service as a whole, are now being reviewed in the context of the estimates for 1968–69.248W Until this exercise has been completed it will not be possible to give an accurate forecast of the cost of devaluation in these fields.