§ 35. Mr. WILMOTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he proposes to take steps to prevent credits 1654 extended to Germany by British finance houses being used for the purchase of war material?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)I have no reason to suppose that any British financial institution has been or is likely to be asked to extend credits to Germany for the purchase of war material.
§ Mr. WILMOTWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask him to observe that the question asks whether he proposes to take any steps to prevent such action; and may I ask him, further, whether he is aware that there is considerable apprehension as to whether credits which are being extended to Germany to prevent final default, are, in fact, being used for the purchase of war materials; and whether he appreciates how necessary it is that the public should be safeguarded against business operations being used to arm people—
§ Mr. WILMOT—and to provide munitions which may be used against this country?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINAs I have said that I have no reason to anticipate that any financial institution is likely to be asked to provide financial credits to Germany for this purpose, there seems no reason to take any steps to prevent such action. With regard to the second point, that seems to be a different question and, perhaps, the hon. Member would put it on the Paper.