HC Deb 29 September 1931 vol 257 c178
34. Major MILNER

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give details of the special conditions of borrowing to which the credit of £80,000,000 was subject?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Philip Snowden)

The hon. and gallant Member misunderstands the position. There were no conditions such as those imputed by him. No Government is in a position to insist on foreign countries lending large sums to this country, and therefore we had to consider what steps on our part were best calculated to secure the subscription abroad of a loan on the necessary scale.

Major MILNER

Are we to understand that the offer was made that unemployment cuts would be made if a loan was given to this country? Is that the position?

Mr. SNOWDEN

The hon. and gallant Member must understand nothing of the sort.

Major MILNER

What other interpretation can the House and the country place on the answer given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer? [interruption.]

Several HON. MEMBERS rose

Mr. SPEAKER

We really cannot have a debate on this question.