HC Deb 16 May 1934 vol 289 cc1760-1
50. Mr. MANDER

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take an early opportunity to make clear to the Government of the United States, in the general interests of world prosperity, that it will not be desirable or practicable in any foreseeable future to make a payment in respect of the American Debt in excess of the recent token payments?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hore-Belisha)

I cannot at present add anything to the reply which was given to my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton (Mr. Craven-Ellis) and my right hon. Friend the Member for South Molton (Mr. Lambert) yesterday.

Mr. MANDER

Can the hon. Gentleman say when a statement will be made in regard to a decision?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Yes, Sir, on an appropriate occasion.

Mr. MANDER

Will the hon. Gentleman be a little more definite than that? Will it be before the Adjournment on Friday?

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is it a fact that it will be "in the general interests of world prosperity "that we should pay our debts?