HC Deb 25 February 1936 vol 309 cc243-4
50. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the £40,000,000 loan to France, recently arranged, had Treasury approval; and is it repayable in sterling or in gold?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)

The operation had my consent. I understand the loan is in sterling.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Has any precaution been taken to prevent credits becoming frozen at the end of the five months as they were in the case of Germany?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have no anxiety on that score.

Colonel BURTON

Is there any Government guarantee?

Mr. PETHERICK

Was the loan made to the French Government or to the Bank of France?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put that question down.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

May I ask. whether the right hon. Gentleman in this matter regards the security of people who sell goods to France as well as the security of people who advance this large sum of money?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

That question does not seem to arise.

Mr. GARRO-JONES

Is this particular loan for the manufacture of armaments in France?