HC Deb 03 July 1939 vol 349 cc927-8
85. Mr. Stephen

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total amount of the loans issued in connection with the Great War; the total amount of interest paid on such loans up to the nearest available date; the total amount of such loans now outstanding; and the proportion of such which it is estimated is held by the banks?

Captain Crookshank

Between 31st March, 1914, and 31st March, 1920, the deadweight debt increased in nominal value from£650,000,000 to£7,829,ooo,ooo, that is, by £7,179,000,000. Owing to repayments and conversions only a small proportion of the loans raised during that period still exist in their original form and it is not possible to give the other information asked for in the question. The whole amount of interest paid year by year on the debt will be found in the National Debt Return, Command Paper No. 5836 of 1938.

Mr. Stephen

Can the Minister say what proportion is estimated to be held by banks?

Captain Crookshank

No, Sir, for the reasons I have given in the reply.