Oral Answers to Questions — National Finance – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 28 July 1959.
Mr John Biggs-Davison
, Chigwell
12:00,
28 July 1959
asked the Chancellor of the exchequer whether he will make a statement about the recent discussions in London between officials of Commonwealth countries regarding the mobilisation of their economic resources.
Mr John Biggs-Davison
, Chigwell
Will my right hon. Friend say whether these officials are working under the aegis of the Commonwealth Economic Consultative Council? Has that body come into existence, and is Marlborough House ready for occupation by it?
Mr. Amory:
The answer to the first part of the supplementary question is "Yes". These meetings were held under the aegis of the Commonwealth Economic Consultative Council and the report of the officials has now been passed back to the Governments for consideration. As to the second part of the supplementary question, I understand that progress is being made with the plans for the preparation of Marlborough House.
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.
