HC Deb 11 November 1920 vol 134 cc1369-70
58. Mr. R. McNEILL

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any subsidy is now being paid to the Serbian Government; and what is the total amount paid by way of loan or otherwise to Serbia since 1914?

Mr. BALDWIN

No subsidy is now being paid to the Serbian Government, but that Government has credits in respect of relief and reconstruction loans as yet undrawn amounting to about £700,000. In addition a special grant of £25,000 a year in aid of Serbian students in this country has been voted by Parliament since 1918; this will cease in July, 1921. The amount advanced since 1914 to Serbia is approximately £22,500,000. This sum includes loans and the value of supplies made by British Government Departments to Serbia and also relief and reconstruction grants since the Armistice approximating £1,500,000.

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

When is that £22,000,000 repayable, approximately?

Mr. BALDWIN

It is repayable when they are able to pay it.