§ 53. Mr. E. SMITHasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total present indebtedness of banks, banking houses, and finance companies in the German Reich to British banks, banking houses, and finance companies; and on what conditions and what terms short or long, are the various sums in question owing?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINAs the hon. Member will be aware, indebtedness of the kind to which he refers has been dealt with in the so-called Standstill Agreements between creditors and debtors, and not by inter-governmental agreements. Consequently, I am not in a position to give the information asked for.
§ Mr. SMITHCan the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that no further loans will be negotiated between this country and Germany?
§ Mr. GARRO-JONESIn view of the obviously vast importance of these figures in their connection with public policy, has not the right hon. Gentleman taken the trouble to apprise himself of their actual magnitude?
§ Mr. TINKERWould the right hon. Gentleman reply to my hon. Friend's question about German loans—as to whether the Government intend to back such a loan?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThat is not the question on the Paper. If any hon. Member wishes to ask that question, perhaps he will put it down.
§ Mr. SMITHIn view of the uneasiness that is being caused in the country in regard to the City of London having an influence on foreign policy, will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to inform the House of the figures asked for in the question?