§ 52. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much money has been lent to the Polish Government since the Armistice with Germany; whether interest is being paid on this money; and what loans it is proposed to make to Poland during the coming financial year?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)Credits to a total of approximately £2,000,000 have been allocated to Poland out of the provision of £12,500,000 for Relief voted this year. This sum is being spent on foodstuffs, railway material, boots and general supplies. The credits will be represented by interest bearing bonds of the Polish Government.
With regard to the coming year, His Majesty's Government have announced their willingness to share in any general scheme of European Relief, but I am unable at present to say what sums will be available for Poland.
§ Mr. G. LAMBERTIs the right hon. Gentleman quite sure that none of this money is being spent in war-like apparatus and preparations?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINOh, yes. The £12,500,000 is being administered by an inter-Allied body sitting in Paris, and it was for relief, not for war.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYThe right hon. Gentleman mentioned £2,000,000 credits. Was that for relief also, or for armaments and war-like experiments?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe £2,000,000 is out of the £12,500,000 voted for relief. The sum was for relief in Poland
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAm I to understand also that we have not entered into any definite understandings to supply more money this year?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINIf the hon, and gallant Member will look at the answer I gave to this question the other day he will see the conditions attached to the Government offer.