HC Deb 20 April 1943 vol 388 cc1539-40
56. Mr. Craven-Ellis

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the 3,000,000 ounces of gold to pay for war material loaned by the Belgian Government has been repaid, and in what form; and, if in gold, is this now in the United States of America or earmarked for the United States of America Account in the Bank of England?

Sir K. Wood

This loan was repaid in January last in the form of gold placed at the free disposal of the Belgian Government. In informing the Belgian Minister of Finance of our intention to repay, I expressed the thanks of His Majesty's Government for the Belgian Government's generous action in making the gold available to us. I cannot, of course, say anything in reply to the last part of the Question, since the present whereabouts of this gold is not a matter in which His Majesty's Government are concerned.

Sir A. Southby

Have any of the other Free Governments in this country followed the example of Belgium in putting their gold at our disposal?

Sir K. Wood

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put that Question on the Paper.