HC Deb 03 March 1904 vol 131 cc60-1
MR. BLACK

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether I he will state how long the Government proposes to delay requiring from the Transvaal Government the fulfilment of its undertaking to pay £30,000,000 towards the expense of the war; if he will state the loss of interest arising to the Imperial Exchequer; through each year's delay: and whether the Imperial Exchequer will receive from the Transvaal Government any compensation for this loss of interest.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN,) Worcestershire, E.

Payment of the first instalment has been postponed for more favourable conditions both in the: money market and in the financial position of the Transvaal. The Transvaal Government did not undertake to effect repayment at any particular date, and so no question of compensation for loss owing to postponement can arise.

MR. LOUGH

Is the agreement for underwriting this loan binding?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

Yes, Sir, it is binding.

MR. MARKHAM (Nottinghamshire, Mansfield)

Is it only binding to the extent of £10,000,000?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

It is binding for as much as is underwritten. That agreement is not affected at all.