HC Deb 08 February 1949 vol 461 c33W
60. Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action is taken by His Majesty's Government to ensure that dollars and other hard currency released to other countries from the reserves of this country are used by the countries concerned only for the purchase of essential goods.

Mr. Jay

If the hon. and gallant Member has in mind some form of audit or follow-up procedure the answer is "None." On the other hand, there is, of course, close and continuous consultation with members of the Sterling Area on the need to limit hard currency expenditure to the absolute minimum. As regards countries outside the Sterling Area, any provision of dollars would be the result of some general trade or financial agreement.