§ 54. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any further steps have been taken with regard to the arrangements for funding our debt to the United States of America?
§ Sir R. HORNEI have nothing to add to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on the 17th July, except that to meet the convenience of the United States Government the Delegation's arrival in Washington has been postponed until the end of September.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs any change contemplated in that Delegation, and is any Member of His Majesty's Government going to the United States?
§ Sir R. HORNEIt is very difficult to say whether there is any change in the Delegation, which has not yet been appointed.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWhen may we expect to see the letter that has been circulated, we understand, by this Government to the various Powers, written by the Earl of Balfour and mentioned in to-day's Press?
§ Sir R. HORNEThe document to which the hon. and gallant Gentleman refers is the one, I suppose, that has been communicated to France and to certain other Governments in Europe. It. will, I think, be laid—
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWhat about the second part of the question: Is any member of His Majesty's Government going on this important mission, and who will it be?
§ Sir R. HORNEThat remains to be decided.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINHas it been decided to do anything with the United States before we have definitely decided as to the Continental debts?
§ Sir R. HORNEIt has been decided—and announced to the House—to send a, Delegation to the United States to discuss with the American Government the question of the funding of the Debt.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINWill any definite agreement be arrived at with the United States before the Delegation goes?
§ 57. Major M. WOODasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the differences between the United States Shipping Board and the Ministry of Shipping have now been settled; and, if so, for what amount?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir W. Mitchell-Thomson)I have been asked to reply. An agreement was entered into on the 13th July with the United States Shipping Board for settlement of certain outstanding claims by a payment to the Shipping Board of 12 million dollars, including interest. This settlement excluded certain claims by the late Ministry of Shipping in connection with ex-German vessels which had been used by the United States Government, and another claim in which the Shipping Board was an intermediary.
§ Major M. WOODCan the hon. Gentleman say whether it is a fact that the United States some time ago offered to accept a very much smaller sum? Is that so? If so, why was the sum mentioned not accepted by the Government?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI think I can safely say that is not the Case.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs it not the fact that the late Mr. Raeburn refused an offer from the United States Shipping Board of 44> million dollars, and afterwards the thing was settled at 12 million dollars: why is the taxpayer to pay that loss?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI should like notice of a question in which these various figures are involved.
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONYes, Sir.