HC Deb 07 February 1933 vol 274 cc13-4
43. Mr. LEWIS

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has any further statement to make on the subject of our War Debt to the United States of America?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The terms of the invitation addressed to His Majesty's Government to send a representative or representatives to Washington early in March and of the acceptance of this invitation have already been published. I have no further statement to make.

Mr. LEWIS

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication as to whether any, and, if so, which, Ministers of the Crown are to proceed to America to carry out these negotiations?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am not able to make any statement on that matter.

Sir STAFFORD CRIPPS

In view of the statements which the right hon. Gentleman has made in the country on the question of the American War Debt, is he not prepared to make a statement in this House?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Obviously it is unnecessary to repeat statements that I have made in the country.

Sir S. CRIPPS

May I ask whether it is not more courteous to this House to make the statements here than to refer hon. Members to reports in the Press which may not be accurate?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

If the House were sitting the statements would, of course, be made here, but the fact that the House is not sitting does not make it impossible for any Minister to make a statement outside.