HC Deb 23 June 1932 vol 267 cc1249-50
40. Sir A. M. SAMUEL

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether His Majesty's Government have considered the request from the financial experts of the League of Nations that Great Britain should be a party to the guaranteeing of a loan to Austria; and will he take the opinion of this House before committing His Majesty's Government?

Major ELLIOT

This matter is still under consideration and I am not in a position to make any statement. Any guarantee would, of course, require an Act of Parliament.

Sir A. M. SAMUEL

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend give some undertaking that he will not commit this country to any policy of guarantee without the assent of the House of Commons; and will he tell us meantime how it is possible for this bankrupt State to be put on its feet and kept on its feet without further doles at the British taxpayers' expense?

Major ELLIOT

I think it is clearly stated in the last part of my answer that any guarantee would require an Act of Parliament and that, of course, would involve the consent of the House of Commons.

Sir A. M. SAMUEL

But will my right hon. and gallant Friend let the other parties know our view before he enters into any further discussions?