§ 70. Major NATHANasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether His Majesty's Government has yet determined upon its course of action in relation to the instalment shortly falling due of the British debt to the United States of America?
§ 71. Mr. MAGNAYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is in a position to inform the House of the Government's intention with regard to the resumption of payments of the debt to the United States of America?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAMy hon. Friends will have observed that the terms of the Note addressed by His Majesty's Government to the United States Government on the 10th November were published this morning.
§ Major NATHANMay I ask whether, if the House should be in Session at the time, the reply of the United States Government may be announced to this House before its publication in the Press, and also whether the House may understand that no payment in respect of the liability falling due on 15th December will be made without the concurrence of the House of Commons?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAThe answer to the first part of the question is that that matter will rest with the United States Government.
§ Mr. THORNEMay I ask the Financial Secretary whether he will be good enough to read the article in connection with this matter which appears in the 760 "Economist" of to-day, and whether he can see his way to have it reproduced for circulation?
§ Major NATHANIn view of the unsatisfactory answer given to me by my hon. Friend, I give notice that I will raise this question at the earliest possible opportunity on the Adjournment.