HC Deb 02 August 1926 vol 198 cc2627-8
68. Sir ROBERT HAMILTON

asked the chancellor of the Exchequer why no Minute was presented to the House of Commons by the Treasury giving particulars and explaining the circumstances of the gift to the Iraq Government of the agreed sum due from that Government in respect of certain works and communications in Iraq?

Mr. McNEILL

This book debt consisted of a liability to pay the value of certain works of public utility constructed in Iraq during the period of military occupation, and subsequently transferred to the Iraq Government. The circumstances in which remission was considered desirable were explained to the House in the Report of my right hon. Friend the Member for Norwich (Mr. Hilton Young). No Minute is required to regularise the action of the Treasury in authorising remission.

Sir R. HAMILTON

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider, having regard to the fact that this gift was of an unusual nature and exceeded £10,000, that it was in accordance with the Treasury Minute of the 25th May, 1923, that no information should be given to this House?

Mr. McNEILL

Yes, Sir.

Captain BENN

Has the Treasury power to remit large debts like this, running into many thousands of pounds, without consulting this House at all?

Mr. McNEILL

Yes. Sir.