HC Deb 20 June 1933 vol 279 cc642-3
49. Mr. LAMBERT

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having paid a further instalment of the American Debt, the Government propose to ask for payments of foreign debts due to Great Britain?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

The position remains as stated in the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to my right hon. Friend the Member for Epping (Mr. Churchill) on 13th December last, namely, that the suspension of Reparations and War Debts, agreed to at the Lausanne Conference, remains in force, but all the rights of His Majesty's Government under the existing agreements are integrally reserved.

Mr. LAMBERT

Do the Government propose to exercise the right to demand payment while we go on paying?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

That is the question on the Paper. I have answered it.

Mr. LAMBERT

Do the Government propose to exercise the rights which they say are in abeyance?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

They remain in abeyance until they are exercised.

Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND - TROYTE

Why should we not enforce payment from other countries when we ourselves are paying?

50. Mr. LAMBERT

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is proposed to issue a Supplementary Estimate to provide for the paid instalment of the American Debt, having regard to the fact that there is no provision for such payment in the Budget?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

No, Sir. Payment will be made from within the Fixed Debt Charge.

Mr. LAMBERT

May I ask why, seeing that the American Congress have the final word, the House of Commons will not have an opportunity to discuss the matter?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

The question on the Paper is the one to which I have given an answer. My hon. Friend asked whether there would be a Supplementary Estimate.

Mr. LAMBERT

And a discussion.