§ 48. Mr. HANNONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether there are now no political difficulties in the way of the issue of the new Austrian loan; if he can state when he contemplates the loan shall be placed upon the money market; and if, as the recent economic progress of Austria has been satisfactory, with a profit balance in its national balance sheet during recent years, he will do everything possible to facilitate industrial and agricultural development in Austria through the League of Nations?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Philip Snowden)So far as I am aware, there are now no political difficulties in the way of the issue of the proposed new Austrian loan; the question when the issue should take place is one for the decision of the Austrian Government in consultation with the financial institutions concerned. I cannot make a statement on that matter or on the matter referred to in the last part of the question.
§ Mr. HANNONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the substantial economic progress made by this small country during the last few years, and will he use his influence at the League of Nations to facilitate this loan as far as he possibly can?
§ Mr. SNOWDENI am well aware of the economic progress of Austria during the last few years, and I am glad of it, but this is a matter of the internal policy of Austria, and I cannot interfere.