HC Deb 22 March 1927 vol 204 cc214-5
72. Sir H. BRITTAIN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any official information with regard to the present position of the salt gabelle which is the security for several Chinese loans; and what sources are open at the moment for revenue?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given in this House on 12th July of last year, since when there has been no substantial change in the position as regards the salt gabelle. Revenue is being remitted from Shansi, Tientsin and Shantung.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Is the security as sound as it was in July last year?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Even in July of last year the whole of the machinery was very much disorganised owing to the civil war.