45. Mr. JENKINSasked the Prime Minister when he proposes to issue the White Paper in connection with the Mines Bill; and whether it is proposed to proceed with the Bill?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)I should be glad if the hon. Member would be good enough to await the
| — | 1931. | 1932. | 1933. | 1934. | 1935. | 1936. |
| £000. | £000. | £000. | £000. | £000. | £000 | |
| (approx.). | ||||||
| Nominal Capital of Debt on 31st March. | 7,413,309 | 7,433,943 | 7,643,794 | 7,822,298 | 7,800,437 | 7,796,056 |
| Less—Outstanding issues to Exchange Equalisation Account. | — | — | 150,000 | 350,000 | 350,000 | 350,000 |
| 7,413,309 | 7,433,943 | 7,493,794 | 7,472,298 | 7,450,437 | 7,446,056 | |
| Interest and Management Charge in year ended 31st March: | ||||||
| Internal Debt | 264,262 | 279,983 | 262,786 | 212,010 | 211,434 | 211,316 |
| External Debt | 28,907 | 17,940 | 22,039 | 4,240 | 223 | 218 |
§ The increase in the nominal total due to the borrowing of £350,000,000 on Treasury Bills for the Exchange Equalisation Account is more than offset by corresponding assets. Other causes of increase in the nominal total have been the expenses of converting the 5 per cent. War Loan, loss on the foreign credits raised in 1931, and the issue of loans at a small discount in connection with conversion to a lower rate of interest, these items being partially offset by the application of Sinking Fund and other receipts to Debt redemption.