HC Deb 06 May 1941 vol 371 cc699-700
58. Mr. Stokes

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider converting the 5 per cent. Conversion Loan 1944/64, amounting to £322,839,022, the 4 per cent. Consols 1957, amounting to £400,734,544, and the 4 per cent. Funding Loan 1960/90, amounting to £350,193,411, into a new stock not bearing a higher interest charge than 3 per cent., thereby saving approximately £13,966,039 in annual interest payments?

Sir K. Wood

The earliest dates at which the three loans referred to can be repaid are 1944, 1957 and 1960, respectively, and in no case, therefore, are the circumstances appropriate to a conversion offer.

Mr. Stokes

Will the Chancellor take the earliest possible opportunity of redeeming these loans at a lower rate?

Sir K. Wood

I think we had far better wait until 1944.