§ Mr. Hamilton Kerrasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that business transactions and export trade are being seriously delayed and prejudiced by delays of the foreign exchange control in dealing with applications to remit funds abroad; and whether he can arrange to expedite the machinery for dealing with such applications, particularly in the case of those which are ultimately granted?
§ Captain CrookshankA constant endeavour is made to secure that the exchange control should be administered in such a way as to involve the minimum possible delays to business transactions. Generally speaking, there is little, if any, delay as regards normal trading transactions, but if my hon. Friend considers that there is any particular class of transaction where existing arrangements could be improved, perhaps he would be good enough to communicate with me.
§ Mr. Boothbyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will set up a committee to examine the whole question of foreign exchange rates in time of war, with particular reference to their effect upon the cost of living and the export trade?
§ Sir J. SimonNo, Sir. I do not think there is any need for such a committee. I am satisfied that adequate arrangements already exist for examining questions of this kind.