§ 66. Colonel Burtonasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury with regard to the offer by the Bank of New Zealand to the British Government of the sum of £1,000,000 free of interest, whether any other Dominion, Colony, or Dependency has made similar offers; and whether a list of such could be furnished, together with the amounts which have been contributed by Indian Princes and Potentates?
§ Captain CrookshankThe offer referred to was made to the New Zealand Government. Contributions in aid of the war have been made on a generous scale, but from their variety are not such as could conveniently be tabulated in the form of a comprehensive list.
§ 67. Colonel Burtonasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any British banks, insurance companies, or other institutions, have made any offer or offers to lend to the British Government any sums, free of interest; and will he give a list of such offers?
§ Captain CrookshankYes, Sir. In addition to loans from individuals, interest free loans to a total of £62,000 have been received from three limited companies of which one carries on insurance business. It has for some time been the practice to preserve the anonymity of donors in such cases, and I should prefer to adhere to it. I regret therefore that I am not able to answer the last part of the Question.
§ Miss WilkinsonCan the Financial Secretary say offhand what percentage that represents of profits made by these banks last year?