asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give an assurance that His Majesty's Government will not relinquish the position whereby this country acts as receiver and distributor of all dollars acquired or required by countries within the sterling area.

It is certainly our intention to maintain the present sterling area system.

In view of the many statements made, particularly in the American Press, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman give a further answer on this Question, and state that under no circumstances will we admit of the present arrangements in the sterling area being altered for some temporary advantage of a loan?

I am afraid I am not responsible for the American Press.