HC Deb 28 March 1938 vol 333 cc1605-6
16. Mr. Thorne

asked the Prime Minister what was Great Britain's contribution to the League of Nations for 1936–37; whether, seeing that all nations pay upon the basis of one currency, he can state the effect upon this country's contribution of the devaluation of the Swiss currency in 1937; and what arrears are now unsettled?

Mr. Butler

As the answer contains some detailed figures, I will, with the hon. Member's approval, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the information:

The contribution of His Majesty's Government to the League of Nations for the year ended 31st December, 1936, was 3,021,593 gold francs. The contribution for the year ended 31st December, 1937, was 2,490,531.75 gold francs. The reduction in the contribution for 1937 was largely due to the devaluation of the Swiss franc, but in view of the many factors which would have to be taken into account it would be difficult to arrive at the percentage of this reduction which is directly attributable to this cause. As regards the last part of the question, the contributions in arrear on 28th February last amounted to 1,497,854.07 gold francs.