§ 49. Mr. LYONSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the American Debt situation before the forthcoming Adjournment?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI cannot at present say whether I shall be able to make any statement on this matter before the Adjournment.
§ Mr. LYONSCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any truth in the 1713 statement so freely published this morning, that a decision upon this matter will be left to a free vote of the House?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINUntil I saw the statement in the Press this morning, I had never heard of such a suggestion.
§ Mr. LYONSWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for the information he has given me, may I ask him whether he will allow this matter to be discussed by this House before a decision is made, and, if necessary, take additional time off the Whitsuntide Recess for the purpose?
§ Mr. SMITHERSCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government not to repudiate in any event?
§ 51. Mr. LAMBERTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amounts due in sterling to America during the present financial year calculated at the present rate of exchange?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINAt the rate of $3.98½ to £1, the amounts are £19,059,000 on 15th June, 1933, and £29,528,000 on 15th December, 1933, or approximately £48,600,000 in all.
§ Mr. HAMMERSLEYCan the right hon. Gentleman indicate what savings have been made by reason of the decision of the United States Government to accept gold obligations in paper dollars?