Oral Answers to Questions — National Finance – in the House of Commons at on 25 March 1943.
Mr George Strauss
, Lambeth North
asked the Chancellor of the exchequer whether the post-war currency proposals, shortly to be published in a white paper, are put forward for consideration as the accepted policy of His Majesty's Government?
Sir Kingsley Wood
, Woolwich West
I think the hon. Member may find it convenient to await the white paper.
Mr George Strauss
, Lambeth North
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that high officials of the Bank of England are suggesting to the Press, and to foreign bankers resident here, that these proposals should be opposed?
Sir Kingsley Wood
, Woolwich West
How can that possibly arise out of this Question? My hon. Friend, before making these statements, should put the Question on the Paper.
Mr Richard Stokes
, Ipswich
Can the Chancellor of the exchequer give some indication when the white paper will be issued?
Sir Kingsley Wood
, Woolwich West
Very shortly.
Mr Richard Stokes
, Ipswich
Yes, but the right hon. Gentleman said that a fortnight ago.
The chancellor of the exchequer is the government's chief financial minister and as such is responsible for raising government revenue through taxation or borrowing and for controlling overall government spending.
The chancellor's plans for the economy are delivered to the House of Commons every year in the Budget speech.
The chancellor is the most senior figure at the Treasury, even though the prime minister holds an additional title of 'First Lord of the Treasury'. He normally resides at Number 11 Downing Street.
A document issued by the Government laying out its policy, or proposed policy, on a topic of current concern.Although a white paper may occasion consultation as to the details of new legislation, it does signify a clear intention on the part of a government to pass new law. This is a contrast with green papers, which are issued less frequently, are more open-ended and may merely propose a strategy to be implemented in the details of other legislation.
More from wikipedia here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_paper
