HC Deb 24 April 1934 vol 288 cc1545-6
49. Mr. OSWALD LEWIS

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total amount of the War Debt owned by this country to the United States of America at the time the debt was funded; the total amount since paid by way of interest and repayment of capital combined; and the total amount now owing, giving each of these three amounts in United States dollars?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The amount of the British War Debt at the date of funding was 4,600 million dollars; the total amount since paid is 1,466 million dollars; the present amount is 4,368 million dollars.

Mr. CRAVEN-ELLIS

Is it not clear that the settlement provided for payment in dollars with a fixed gold content, and that the fact that President Roosevelt has depreciated the dollar in no way affects or relieves our obligation?

Mr. SPEAKER

This question deals only with the amounts.