§ 52. Mr. Craven-Ellisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what loans issued to assist in financing the Boer war are still outstanding; the total amount paid in interest over the period of such loans to date; and how much of them has been liquidated?
§ Sir K. WoodSome of the loans raised to finance the Boer war were subsequently converted or repaid out of new borrowings and so lost their identity in the total of the National Debt. It is, therefore, not possible to give figures such as those asked for by any hon. Friend.
§ Mr. Craven-EllisIs it not usual for a Government to carry on their finance in the same way as any business organisation? There was a great cost in financing the Boer war, as there will be in the case of this war. Now we are told it has got lost in the mass of expenditure going on from year to year. I must protest against this kind of accountancy.
§ Sir K. WoodI will note my hon. Friend's protest.
§ Mr. StokesIf I put a Question down, will the Chancellor give me similar figures for the Battle of Waterloo?