§ 46. Mr. G. Straussasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that an increasing number of short-term loans are being made to Germany by London financial houses; and whether His Majesty's Government propose to take any steps to stop this aid to Germany's rearmament?
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir John Simon)No, Sir. I believe the trend is the other way to that suggested in the first part of the question, and the second part does not, therefore, arise.
§ Mr. BoothbyOn a point of Order. Is there any method of stopping hon. Members putting questions that contain assertions which have no foundations in fact?
§ Mr. StraussWill the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries of the leading financial houses? He will find that the assertion in my question is correct. Will he say, if it is so, that the making of short-term loans to Germany is contrary to the policy and the desire of the Government and have it altered?
§ Sir J. SimonThe hon. Member will, I am sure, appreciate that my original answer was based on what I believe to be very careful information. If he has any information to the contrary effect, and will kindly let me know what is is, I shall be very glad to have it.
§ Mr. StraussI shall have much pleasure in doing so.