HC Deb 19 May 1938 vol 336 cc582-3
71. Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the amount of arrears of interest on the debt due by the United Kingdom to the United States of America, and the total amount of debt plus interest outstanding at the last convenient date when regular payments in full ceased to be made of the interest on this debt; and whether he has any statement to make with regard to the debt and the arrears?

Sir J. Simon

I would refer the hon. Member to the War Debt Agreements (Command Papers Nos. 1912 and 4202) and the series of papers relating to the British War Debt, ending with Command Paper No. 5617. I have no fresh statement to make at the present time.

Mr. H. Morrison

Can the Chancellor say whether he has had any demands for payment from the United States Government couched in terms similar to those addressed by us to the Mexican Government?

Sir William Davison

Is it not true that the remissions which we have granted to other Powers in respect of payments due to us far exceed the amount due from us to the United States Government?

Sir J. Simon

Yes, that is quite true.