§ 57. Mr. DOBBIEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that large sums of money have been advanced by certain London financial houses since the conclusion of the War in 1918 to foreign Governments, part of which sums have been expended upon rearmament; and whether, in view of the present state of international affairs, he will introduce legislation making it a criminal offence for London financial 1827 houses and bankers to lend money for such purposes?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am not aware on what information the statement in the first part of the question is based, and, so far as I am concerned, the answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLCan my right hon. Friend give us the assurance that he and the Treasury will use every endeavour to prevent loans being made to foreign Governments which will be expended upon the further increase of their armaments?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINMy right hon. Friend is aware that there is now an embargo on foreign issues, and that the embargo cannot be raised without special permission from the Chancellor of the Exchequer.