HC Deb 28 November 1932 vol 272 cc475-6
46. Mr. LAMBERT

asked the Prime Minister if this House will be consulted before any further payment of War Loan interest is made?

The PRIME MINISTER

If a request for a discussion of this matter should be made through the usual channels it would of course receive careful consideration, but it would not be in the public interest to have a Debate at this moment?

Mr. LAMBERT

As there are other Members in the House beside those on the Front Opposition Bench, may we take it that, if there is a general request from this side of the House, for a discussion later on, we may have it?

51. Captain CAZALET

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what amount of the debt due to the United States of America from this country in December is interest and what amount constitutes repayment of capital, expressed in gold pounds; and whether, under the existing agreement, we have the right to postpone payment of the latter until a future date?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hore-Belisha)

The instalment due on 15th December is 30 million dollars in respect of capital and 65,550,000 dollars in respect of interest. The payment in respect of capital can, under the existing agreement, be postponed for not more than two years provided that not less than 90 days' advance notice has been given. Such advance notice was not given in the present case. The United States Treasury may, under the agreement, waive such notice at its discretion.

52. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has yet received any reply from the American Government to the note sent recently about the next instalment of our debt to that country; whether we can pay all in gold; and when in that case it must be shipped?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

The right hon. Gentleman will have read the reply received from the United States Government, which was published on the 26th November. My right hon. Friend is not in a position at present to make any further statement.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

What has been done to give the impression in America that we are arm-in-arm with France on this question?