24. Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSasked by what authority and on what dates the sum of £50,000 in 1911–12 and of £120,000 in 1912–13 was paid out of the Treasury Chest on account of a loan to the Persian Government; and when a Vote for these-payments will be taken?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe sums in question were issued from the Treasury Chest Fund under the authority of the Treasury Chest Fund Act, 1877, as follows:—9th February, 1912, £50,000; 30th April, 1912, £25,000; 27th February, 1913, £95,000. A further sum of £50,000 was issued on 15th April, 1913. Provision for the repayment of these sums to the Treasury Chest Fund has been included in the Civil Service Estimates for 1914–15 about to be presented.
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe Treasury Fund will have to be replenished when these Estimates are considered in 1914.
§ Sir J. D. REESWhat was the security for the repayment of these sums?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI do not think that is a question which ought to be addressed to me.