HC Deb 25 February 1947 vol 433 cc1872-3
82. Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the total of allied occupation currency issued in lire, marks and francs, respectively, by English authorities.

Mr. Bellenger

The issue of allied military lire in Italy was initially a combined Anglo-American responsibility until under an agreement of February, 1946, it was assumed by the Italian Government. Lire currency, mostly Allied military lire, was made available to the various armies operating in Italy. The amount drawn by the British forces is about 75,000 million lire. The British authorities were not, however, as such, separately responsible for the issue. Responsibility for the supplemental francs issued in France was accepted by the French authorities who agreed to make available the currency required by the various Armies. The currency drawn by the British Forces under these arrangements was about 1,200 million francs. I understand from my hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster that about 1,790 million Allied military marks have been issued by the British authorities in Germany.

Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre

Will the Minister make a supplementary statement about Austrian schillings, so that we may have the whole picture?

Mr. Bellenger

I should want notice of that. This Question deals specifically with lire, marks and francs.