§ 57. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the guaranteed loan of £2,000,000 has yet been raised by the Societé Générale Hellenique?
§ Mr. McNEILLArrangements have been made for raising the whole loan by instalments as the money is required. I am informed that the amount raised to date is £375,000.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWith a view to protecting the interests of the British taxpayers, will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries, either from the Societé Hellenique or from the Greek Government, as to whether any change is desirable in that guarantee, having regard to the opposition at Athens to the proposals of the Societé Hellenique?
§ Mr. McNEILLI think that question really covers the same ground as the question which the right hon. and gallant Gentleman put the other day, and to which I replied that this loan has been sanctioned by the present Government and confirmed by the Assembly. In these circumstances I think it is impossible for us to question its validity.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWould it not be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to make inquiries to ensure that the interests of the British taxpayers are being looked after.
§ Mr. McNEILLYes, but I am not sure that the making of such inquiries might not lead to misunderstanding.
§ Sir FREDRIC WISECan the right hon. Gentleman say if this loan will be offered to the public?
§ Mr. McNEILLI cannot say without notice. I do not know.