asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give an index figure of imports and exports between Great Britain and North America for the years 1938 and 1948 for manufactured goods only.

The value of United Kingdom exports to North America in 1948 of articles wholly or mainly manufactured, expressed as an index number based on 1938 = 100 was 388. The coresponding index number for imports from North America in 1948 was 223.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many efficiency experts are employed by his Department; what are the total salaries paid to them; what are their qualifications to advise industry; and how many business firms consulted them in 1948.

Thirty-two technical officers are employed in the production efficiency service, at an approximate cost of £30,000 per annum. Their qualifications are a recognised engineering training, followed by several years of practical experience on problems associated with the efficiency of production. During 11 months ended 31st December, 1948, 208 firms consulted them, of which 84 were cases of a minor nature. Figures are not available for January, 1948.

In view of the very small number of persons who have consulted them, would it not be better to leave this work to business consultants of whom there is an ample supply, and release these officials for industry?

No, Sir. I am satisfied from the reports I have had from some of the firms who have called upon these consultants that they have found the service very valuable indeed.

Is it not a fact that the gentleman who was lately in charge of this section, after considerable experience, expressed a view similar to that just given by my hon. Friend the Member for Newark (Mr. Shephard)?

Can we be told whether the firms who consult these experts pay for the advice which they receive?

In general, I think the answer is "No."

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in order to increase dollar earnings, he has considered organising in the North American Continent through the National Research and Development Corporation or in some other appropriate way an exhibition of British inventions and patents available for exploitation by acquisition of licences; and with what result.

I am prepared to consider any method by which we can increase our dollar earnings, and I have already sent this suggestion to the Dollar Export Board. But I am very doubtful whether an exhibition organised by the Government would be the best way to secure an increase in our dollar earnings from British inventions and patents. I have no doubt that British industry will take every opportunity to increase further our earnings from this source, and I am prepared to help in any way I can.

Has the Dollar Export Board any powers to initiate suggestions, or is it only to consider suggestions put forward by the Minister?

That is really another question, but the Board is able to take the initiative in suggestions both to the Government and to industry.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that there is a considerable demand for ladies' knitted sleeveless pullovers and cardigans, but as these garments are not included in the specifications of his Department, they are subject to Purchase Tax; and, in view of the fact that a saving of wool would result if they were available in the utility range, if he will take steps to include them.

The present utility ranges cover as much as 90 per cent. of the hosiery and knitwear industry's total output for the home market. There has been no representative request from those interested for the inclusion of these particular garments. Such a request would, of course, receive consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this utility schedule was published in 1940, is now completely out-of-date and needs a thorough overhaul? Is he further aware that his Department cannot dictate to women on the trends of fashion?

My Department has never tried to dictate the trends of fashion to anybody. The facts are that a committee considers possible changes in the utility schedule, and that if a representative body were to take this up my Department would be prepared to consider it.

Would the right hon. Gentleman not consider representations from separate firms? Must they be from groups of firms?

asked the President of the Board of Trade how much whisky was exported to the United States of America during the first six months of 1949; and at how much per gallon.

Figures for the export of whisky in June are not yet available, but from January to May, 1949, nearly 1,850,000 proof gallons of whisky were exported to the United States of America. The average f.o.b. price per proof gallon was 41s.

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether he himself, quite apart from the Minister of Food and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, has examined this question and is satisfied, as a business man, that he cannot get more for whisky?

I have examined the case myself, and we have had many discussions with the distillers, who are satisfied that to put the price any higher would only be detrimental to their long-term interests.

What percentage of this whisky was exported from Scotland?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in addition to the figures given in the Trading Accounts and Balance Sheets for 1947–48, he can provide further information as to how the profit of £28 million in connection with the purchase and supply of cotton and ancillary materials was achieved; and whether he is satisfied that no unnecessary burden has been placed on the cotton industry of this country by extracting such a profit from these transactions.

The profit in the trading year 1947–48 arose from the fact that prices of raw cotton were rising rapidly in the latter half of 1946, selling prices in this country were increased and stocks which had been acquired at lower prices were being sold or re-valued at the higher price. The answer to the second part of the hon. Member's Question is, therefore, "Yes, Sir."

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what benefit, if any, has been obtained, or will be obtained, by the cotton industry as a result?

As the hon. Gentleman knows, it has been the policy of the Raw Cotton Commission to adjust their selling prices to the replacement value of cotton in various markets of the world, and, therefore, this capital gain will be useful in enabling them to do that.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how far it is estimated that American tariffs are a barrier to the importation of manufactured goods and commodities from Britain and the rest of the sterling area; and what recent steps have been taken to deal with the problem.

Although substantial reductions in the United States tariffs were negotiated at Geneva in 1947 by the United Kingdom and other countries and incorporated in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, the level and the administration of the United States tariffs remain an obstacle to the development of sterling exports to the United States in many classes of goods. Information has recently been given on these lines to the special group representing the European Co-operation Administration and the United States Department of Commerce which has been visiting Europe to discuss with various O.E.E.C. countries how exports to the United States can best be increased.

Can the Minister tell us whether there is any prospect of reducing some of the tariffs on goods which we could provide, and whether any arrangements are being made to co-ordinate production in this country and America so that we are not competing to no purpose?

I think it would be impossible to estimate what those prospects are.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he proposes to withdraw S.R. & O., 1943, No. 430, which restricts the freedom of cinematograph exhibitors in their choice of news reels.

Subject to the supply of film base, which has to be paid for with dollars, the Cinematograph Film (Control) Order, 1943, will be withdrawn as soon as it becomes unnecessary to restrict the home consumption of raw film stock in order to satisfy export demands.

Would the Minister consider whether, without increasing in any way the total consumption of raw stock and still restricting distributors, it would not be possible to restore freedom of choice to consumers?

I am quite prepared to consider that, if anyone can work out a scheme which will not involve an increase in consumption of the stock.

Would the right hon. Gentleman not consider allowing the same number of films to be produced and leaving it to the free choice of those who wish to have news reels; or, alternatively, to allow them to be able to cancel news reels and compete for what is left, since both these systems would not increase the amount of film used?

I am quite prepared to inquire into any scheme if I can be satisfied that it will not involve an increase in the consumption of stock.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give the total annual value of token imports from the United States of America, indicating the details; and say how these imports are allocated to British traders.

For 1948, licences issued for imports from the United States under the Token Import Scheme totalled £525,142, of which the two principal items—apparel and footwear—accounted for £161,000. The Scheme covers more than 150 commodities, but if the hon. Member will let me know in which goods he is interested, I will let him have details. Each United States manufacturer is permitted by the Scheme to send 20 per cent. by value of his pre-war trade in the goods on the Token Import List. An import licence will normally be granted to any importer whose American supplier is entitled to participate in the Scheme.

In view of this rather heavy amount of token imports—£500,000—would the Minister consider, especially at this stage, the question of ceasing these imports completely in order to save the dollars?

No, Sir.

Why not?

asked the Minister of Health when permission will be given to complete the building of Balderton Colony for mental defectives.

Permission will be given as soon as the necessary supplies of labour and material permit.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this building was almost completed before the war, at great cost, and that it has been derelict now for nearly 10 years with the boiler houses flooded? Since it can accommodate about 400 patients, will he not give instructions for the work to be done immediately?

The claims of this building are, of course, considered against the claims of other buildings, and a decision is taken on the relative merits.

asked the Minister of Health what decision has been taken about the proposed transfer of the South-Western Hospital, Landor Road, S.W.9, to St. Thomas's Hospital.

I am informing the boards concerned that I am unable to agree to this transfer.

asked the Minister of Health if he will define the qualifications of a senior hospital medical officer and the minimum qualifications of a consultant under the National Health Service.

I should not presume to do so. Each individual case needs judging on its merits by local professional committees suited to the task.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that owing to the lack of information on this subject there is a great deal of confusion and dissatisfaction? Does not he think that a statement on this particular point would be helpful to all the persons concerned with the matter?

I cannot issue any general information on this matter. The grade to which the doctor belongs is decided by a professional committee, and I have not the least intention of interfering with that committee. They decide each case on its merits, and I can do no more than leave this matter to the members of the profession concerned.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, where the doctor has been demoted from a higher grade to a lower grade, he has a right of appeal to anybody?

It is wrong to speak of demoting. This is the first time grading has been done; therefore, there can be no demoting from a superior to an inferior grade. There is a review of the initial decision, and arrangements have been made to establish machinery for the purpose.

asked the Minister of Health what is his policy, in an over-doctored area, in respect of those doctors who wish to have more than 4,000 patients on their lists.

In general, I should not give permission to exceed the normal maximum in any area where the Medical Practices Committee consider that the number of doctors was adequate.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in one area, where the average number of patients per doctor is only a little over 2,000, a doctor has been allowed to build up a practice of 6,000 by bringing in an assistant? Is this, with his consent?

I will certainly cause inquiries to be made into this case but, of course, where the doctor has an assistant he is able to have a larger list.

asked the Minister of Health why a Pickford's van was sent to the Northwich Victoria Infirmary by the North and Mid-Cheshire Hospital Management Committee on 1st July, 1949, to take away, without any notification to the matron, a conference table and 25 chairs, worth about £200, the gift of Colonel Saner to the Infirmary, a desk, the gift of Mr. H. Southerton, worth £60, and a table worth £30, the gift of Miss Saner; why a bill for £6 for removing this furniture was presented to the Infirmary authorities; and whether he will instruct the Committee to return this furniture and to apologise to the donors and to the Infirmary for their action.

This is entirely a matter for the management committee, who required the equipment at another hospital in the same group and who fully informed the donor of their intentions.

Is the Minister aware that neither Mr. Southerton nor Miss Saner was informed of this? How does he justify the rendering of a bill of £6 to the hospital, from where the furniture had been taken?

The facts given to me conflict with the facts given to the hon. Member. Colonel Saner raised no objection. The desk was given by Mr. Southerton and the table by Miss Saner and they are used by the same officer who used them at the Northwich Infirmary. The bill for the removal was paid by the management committee, who are making the best use of available furniture and thus avoiding unnecessary expenditure.

I asked the Minister why the bill was presented, not by whom it was paid. Did Mr. Southerton and Miss Saner agree?

All I can say is that I will make further inquiries, but the facts given to the hon. Member disagree with the facts given to me. I should have thought, speaking generally and not about this particular incident, that it is far better that furniture should be economically used than that it should be tied up merely because it happens to be a bequest.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the increased demand for maternity cases in hospital; and what steps are being taken to encourage those whose health and circumstances are adequate to have this service in their own homes and so relieve the congestion which is prevalent all over the country.

Hospitals and local authorities are being encouraged to give priority for hospital confinement to those who need, it for medical reasons, or because home circumstances are unsatisfactory.

asked the Minister of Health if it was with his knowledge and approval that a propaganda leaflet advertising a meeting of the Socialist Medical Association on 5th July was pinned to the reception desk of the Westminster Hospital on Wednesday last, 29th June; and what instructions have been issued to hospitals regarding the use of notice boards for party political purposes.

No, Sir. No instructions have been issued, since this is clearly a matter for hospital bodies themselves to decide.

Does the right hon. Gentleman approve of public funds being used to put up notice boards on which a party political meeting can be advertised? If so, does it mean that any party can advertise its meetings on a hospital notice board?

This is entirely a matter within the discretion of the management committee of the hospital itself. It is not desirable that we should always try to decide what they should do in every instance.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the practice of commercial firms advertising that their particular appliances can be obtained entirely free of charge under the National Health Service, and offering, if names and addresses are sent to them, to advise applicants of procedure; and whether he will introduce legislation to put an end to this practice.

Action has already been taken to stop advertising in connection with hospital appliances, and similar steps are being considered to cover others supplied through the National Health Service.

Would the right hon. Gentleman indicate the nature of the action, if I send him information of a recent incident?

I should have thought the answer would be that the hospital authorities would not buy appliances from the companies which offended.

asked the Minister of Health whether he has completed his inquiry into conditions at Rubery Hill Mental Hospital; and with what result.

Yes, Sir. As the answer is rather long I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

In view of the fact that on the last occasion this matter was mentioned in the House a statement was made that a censure had been passed on the hospital at the inquest, will the Minister make it clear that no censure was passed on the medical authorities of the hospital at this inquest, or in any other case?

If the hon. Member will read the report in HANSARD he will see that those points have been covered. In view of the fact that so much public attention has been directed to this case, I thought it desirable that I should make a very full report.

asked the Minister of Health (1) the date on which the ex-British Legion women's tuberculosis sanatorium at Naylands, near Colchester, was taken over under the National Health Scheme; and when it is proposed to appoint a non-British Legion hospital committee to run this hospital as a public sanatorium instead of a charitable institution and to remove the British Legion advertisements and notices;

(2) why National Health Scheme patients at the women's tuberculosis sanatorium at Naylands, near Colchester, have to make British Legion poppies and paper hats for sale; what are the rates of payment to patients; what are the profits; to what purpose have the profits been given; and what contribution has been made to the hospital funds during the last 12 months;

(3) what steps are being taken to provide women patients in the women's tuberculosis sanatorium at Naylands, near Colchester, with unchipped crockery; why patients have to buy their own cups; and when are urns to be provided to supply hot tea and other beverages, instead of the present cold supply in large chipped enamelled jugs.

I am making inquiries, and will write to my hon. and gallant Friend.

Is there not something odd about this matter? Why should a "non-British" committee be appointed to run a British hospital? Would the Minister answer that?

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Member will await my inquiries.

asked the Minister of Health to what extent it is his practice to provide free clothes for hospital patients.

I shall be glad to clear up the many gross misrepresentations on this. I have told hospitals, in effect, to go on doing what was already proper hospital practice before the Health Service—that is, to lend clothing to patients who cannot provide it for themselves or get it from any other agency, and to let them keep it on discharge when inquiries make it clear that they cannot otherwise get it. It will normally only arise, as in the past, for long-stay ambulant patients without resources.

In view of the fact that there were certain alarming stories in the newspapers about the Minister going into the tailoring business in a big way, could he tell us what steps he proposes to take to ensure that hospital authorities know the answer he has just given me?

I hope that hospital authorities themselves will be made aware in the normal way of the answer that I have given to the Question. But I do most sincerely deprecate the grave misrepresentations that certain newspapers—two of them in particular—have been guilty of in this matter. [HON. MEMBERS: "Names."] The two newspapers are the "Graphic" and the "Evening Standard."

Was this gross misrepresentation made by "the most prostituted Press in the world" or the Press which is "inferior to none"?

No. It was made by the two newspapers which have competed for the lowest position in the British Press—the "Evening Standard" and the "Graphic."

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that site works at Thurnby Lodge, Evington House and Goodwood Estate, at Leicester, will be completed in time to prevent a temporary cessation of the Leicester Corporation's housing programme.

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister of Health how many families were living in rest centres administered by the London County Council on the latest date for which figures are available.

On Saturday, 9th July, 502 families were in the rest centres.

asked the Minister of Health what is the average length of stay of families in the rest centres administered by the London County Council; and how many of the families now living in the rest centres have been there for six months, one year and two years, respectively.

The average length of stay is, approximately, 30 weeks; on 30th June, 228 families had been in the rest centres six months or longer; 86 families one year or longer, and six families two years or longer.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these rest centres were intended only for short-term residence? Is he also aware that many families now residing in them feel that they are being overlooked by the local authorities who arranged their admittance? Will he look into the matter?

I will certainly look into it, but I would also ask my hon. and gallant Friend and the House to consider the difficulties with which London housing authorities are faced as a consequence of the fact that people are still coming to London in much larger numbers than the capital can assimilate.

Has not a family which has been there for over two years the right to the very highest priority? Surely they can be rehoused?

Priority for families for housing is a matter to be decided by the local authorities concerned; I think the best the House can do is to leave it to the local authorities.

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many outbreaks of fowl pest have been reported in each of the first six months of this year.

There were 45 outbreaks in January, 42 in February, 36 in March, 39 in April, 52 in May and 71 in June this year.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what crops have been grown on restored open-cast coal sites.

The usual procedure in restoring land after open-cast coal working is first of all to seed it to grass so as to develop a pasture that can be grazed. In the last two years, however, a considerable area in the West Riding of Yorkshire has been successfully sown with cereals—wheat, barley, oats, and rye—as a first crop, and small areas have been planted with mustard and potatoes respectively.

Will the Minister say what sort of yields have been received for cereal crops, and whether any experiments in the planting of trees have been carried out?

I could not tell the hon. and gallant Member, without notice, what kind of seed is sown, but if he is interested I will gladly let him know.

I said, "yield," not "seed."

The yields were reasonably satisfactory in all the circumstances; similar investigations are being carried on.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is satisfied with the degree of fertility achieved after restoration of open-cast coal sites.

The conditions which govern the recovery of the disturbed land vary from site to site, and the methods adopted have also been varied from time to time in the light of experience. Some sites have consequently made better progress than others. I shall not be content until fully satisfactory results are obtained on all sites, but I think that the procedure which is now adopted is, on the whole, proving successful in restoring land to effective agricultural use.

There may be instances where successful restoration has been carried out, but would the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to stop all opencast mining where it has been found impossible successfully to achieve restoration owing to the heavy nature of the soil, or the fact that the subsoil drainage has been found to have been destroyed after open-cast mining has been carried out?

I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that no site is taken over until full consideration has been given to all the relevant factors.

As the right hon. Gentleman qualified his reply by the the words "differences from time to time and site to site," is he satisfied, generally speaking, that agricultural production is not being hindered by this process?

I did not suggest anything of the kind. What I suggested was that originally, when sites were being restored, the policy was to sow the land down to grass, but more recently experiments have been made by sowing cereals of various kinds. On the whole the experiments have been not unsuccessful.

On a point of Order. Would it be possible for the amplifying system to be examined, Mr. Speaker, because it seems to be working very unsatisfactorily in this part of the House?

asked the Minister of Agriculture for what purpose the Forestry Commission is exterminating male deer in Cannock Chase; and if he will consult with the Lord President of the Council with a view to their preservation, by the Nature Conservancy.

The Forestry Commission is not exterminating male deer in Canock Chase, and I do not think the suggested consultation would serve any useful purpose.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that very welcome reply, may I ask him to investigate the statement attributed to the local officer of the Forestry Commission in May, that he had given an order that every buck was to be shot at short notice?

I am not aware of that, but I can assure him that in no case are deer shot by Forestry Commission officers outside their forests, and inside their forests it is done only if the deer become a danger to trees recently planted.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is prepared to take to prevent the silting up of Hedon Haven, East Yorkshire, which is stopping the escape of water from Burstwick Drain and, in wet weather, threatens an extensive area of land with flooding, with detrimental effects on food production.

Responsibility for providing an adequate outfall for the Burstwick Drain rests with the Keying-ham Level Drainage Commissioners, who have so far been unable to reach agreement with railway interests for improving Hedon Haven and maintaining it in an improved condition. My Department have no powers to undertake works in connection with the Haven, but they will use their good offices with the parties concerned to try to secure a settlement of this long-standing problem.

In view of the fact that this discussion has been going on with the Railway Executive for a number of years, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that there is speedy action to end this danger, which otherwise, quite obviously, will have a detrimental effect on food production?

As I have already said, my Department uses their good offices with the Commission, and the Commissioners already know that once a suitable scheme is provided a 50 per cent. grant will be available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what he now estimates is likely to be the average yield per acre of this year's potato crop.

On the basis of crop conditions at the end of June the yield of early and main crop potatoes taken together in England and Wales was expected to be slightly under the 10 years' average of seven tons per acre.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that the areas that are usually expected to produce the highest yields will be lucky if, in fact, they attain only the average yield of seven tons an acre? Will that not considerably reduce the overall yield for the country as a whole? What does the right hon. Gentleman intend to do to rectify that?

What does the hon. and gallant Gentleman expect me to do—increase the yield personally?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent he permits the expenses incurred by private individuals performing unpaid services for the Government to be allowed, for taxation purposes, as an expense in any business with which the individual may be connected.

In computing the profits of a business for Income Tax purposes, no sum is permitted to be deducted which is not wholly and exclusively expended for the purposes of the business.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now consider allowing money rates to find their true level, thereby encouraging saving and discouraging the liquidation of capital.

Decisions about the level of money rates involve a number of different factors which cannot be discussed by Question and answer.

I realise that, but does the right hon. Gentleman agree that there is no real incentive to save when deposit rates are pegged to ½ per cent. permanently?

I have said we cannot discuss this adequately by Question and answer.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what limitations he is imposing on the nationalised industries for the raising of new capital for the hire purchase agreements initiated by those boards.

I would refer the hon. Member to paragraph 11 of the Memorandum of Guidance to the Capital Issues Committee of May, 1945 (Cmd. 6645). Similar considerations would apply to public boards as to other undertakings. No public board has been authorised to borrow money by issue of stock for the purposes mentioned.

As the Chancellor has made a more recent statement than that referred to by the Financial Secretary, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the remarks of the Chancellor—to the effect that private industry is to be restricted in regard to hire purchase agreements—apply now? Will he say whether the nationalised boards are similarly restricted?

I have said so. Nationalised boards and private industry are on exactly the same footing in this matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if His Majesty's Government will resume the practice of publishing monthly gold figures.

No, Sir.

Would the hon. Gentleman have this information published, particularly as it would keep the subject very much before the public, which would be of advantage to all concerned.

As the hon. and gallant Gentleman will remember, we did try the experiment of monthly publication, and found that exceptional payments led to a result in which the monthly figures were really misleading. It is a much more fair way of giving the information to the public to spread it over three months.

Was not this information, or this kind of information, given before the war? If that is so, what is the necessity for secrecy now?

Whatever was done before the war, we think the least misleading way of giving this information now is, as I say, to spread it out over a period of not more than three months.

Does my hon. Friend agree that the whole basis of gold is entirely misleading?

Would it not be possible to resume the monthly statements, calling attention to any exceptional circumstances that occur?

I have already said that, on the whole, we do not think it would be wise to do so.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of current earnings by members of the sterling area of gold and hard currency, is placed at the disposal of the sterling area pool.

As the hon. and gallant Member is aware the sterling area is based on the principle that all members pool their gold and dollar earnings, and draw from the pool to meet their requirements. In some cases, it may be convenient for a small proportion of the earnings to be withheld. But this proportion is negligible, and the practice does not infringe the principle I have mentioned.

Is it not a fact that with a certain number of members of the sterling area the Government have entered into contracts that they may retain current earnings of gold and hard currency for their own use?

No, Sir. The sterling area has never been a rigid, uniform arrangement. It has always been found convenient for small working balances of this kind to be retained. There are no arrangements of that kind which affect large proportions of dollars and gold.

Would the hon. Gentleman agree that this system is already causing great upset, in that Malaya, which is concerned with dollars, and whose dollars are being retained here, is already asking for special treatment at the expense of the rest of the sterling area, which is a sign of the great stress created by the system?

I quite agree that if we departed from the present general principle there would be dislocation of the whole basis of the working of the sterling area.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish at regular intervals a statement showing the total amount of gold and hard currency expended by each member of the sterling area; such statement to include for each country concerned current earnings and sums released to them by the sterling area pool.

As my right hon. and learned Friend stated in answer to a similar Question of the hon. and gallant Member on 30th April, 1948, he is not prepared to give information of this nature about individual sterling area countries.

Even if he is not prepared to do that, can the hon. Gentleman say that he or his Department have it, so that, in fact, the Government can see an equal strain is taken by all members of the sterling area?

Yes, certainly we have the information, and we do seek to ensure that things work out in the way the hon. and gallant Gentleman suggests.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer under which clause of the International Monetary Fund it is laid down that the United States Treasury fixes the selling price of gold.

The price of gold in the United States is determined by the gold content or par value of the dollar which is fixed by United States law. Under Article IV of the Fund's Articles, the par value cannot be altered except after consultation with the Fund.

Yes, but that is not the Question I asked. I asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he would say who fixes the price of gold. He said it was the United States Treasury, under the International Monetary Fund. I have searched the International Monetary Fund rules, and I cannot find under which rule this is done. Now I am asking the Economic Secretary if he will tell me.

If my hon. Friend is asking who fixes the American price of gold, then I must say I do not think that it is strictly the responsibility of His Majesty's Government to answer. As a matter of fact, however, it is the United States Government who do so.

I asked under what rule of the International Monetary Fund is it laid down that the United States Treasury fixes the price of gold, and I have had no answer.

It is by the Gold Reserves Act, 1934, of the United States of America that the United States Government, with the consent of Congress, fix the monetary price of gold. By agreement, at the time of the setting up of the International Monetary Fund, the United States Government also undertook not to alter the price without consulting the Fund. I hope my hon. Friend is satisfied with that.

Does my hon. Friend mean that the United States agree not to alter it without consulting themselves? That is all it really amounts to.

I said "without consulting the Fund."