HC Deb 30 November 1922 vol 159 c896
56. Mr. MURCHISON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer where the Gobelin tapestries, given in security against the last British loan to Austria, now are: and what is their approximate value?

Mr. BALDWIN

The Gobelin tapestries in question are in Vienna. From the nature of the case, it is impossible to-assign a value to such an unique work of art as these tapestries, but it is stated to be very considerably in excess of the amount of the loan.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is it understood that the last British loan will be absorbed in the new British loan?

Mr. BALDWIN

The next question, I think, deals with that.

57. Mr. MURCHISON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is proposed to renew the last British loan to Austria which is due for repayment in February next?

Mr. BALDWIN

This loan is repayable out of the proceeds of the guaranteed loans to be raised by the Austrian Government under the League of Nations scheme. In agreement with the other lending nations concerned, His Majesty's Government have signified their willingness to extend the date of repayment, so that it may be made in instalments out of successive issues of the guaranteed loans.

Mr. LAMBERT

Is that loan coming before the House of Commons before we adjourn?

Mr. BALDWIN

The Bill, I think, will be circulated in a few days.