§ 52. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give details of Item A, Loans to Allies for War Purposes, in the Vote for Unclassified Services, No. 10, in the Civil Service Estimates, 1920–21, now before Parliament?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe provision on this sub-head is due to the extent of £16,000,000 to adjustments with Allied Governments in respect of pre-Armistice commitments, which will not affect the total of Allied Government obligations held by the British Government. This expenditure will be compensated by a corresponding receipt under the head of miscellaneous revenue. The balance of £2,000,000 provides for minor advances which may prove to be due to Greece and Serbia for war expenditure and for cash adjustments on the renewal of Bills held as security for existing advances to Allies.
§ Lieut.- Commander KENWORTHYCan the right hon. Gentleman let us have further details before the Vote is brought before the House as to which Allies this £16,000,000 is due to? With reference to the £2,000,000 for Serbia, is that due to active war operations since the Armistice or some outstanding War charges?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIt is due to overlapping war charges. The answer to the first part of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's supplementary question is that the money is required for adjustments on account of France and Italy.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYAre these for operations since the Armistice or before the Armistice?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have just told the hon. and gallant Gentleman that they were before the Armistice.