§ 56. Mr. Stokesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of President Roosevelt's declaration that nations benefiting under Lend-Lease will be expected to make repayment after the war in goods or other benefits, he will now cause to be recorded the value of goods already sent to America by Great Britain under Lend-Lease?
§ Sir J. AndersonI have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member on 26th October last.
§ Mr. StokesThat was a reply to a totally different question to the question of the amount of American Lend-Lease in this country. I am now asking whether, in view of the President's statement that the countries which receive the benefits of Lend-Lease will be expected to repay, if not in kind, in goods or other benefits, he will now cause the amount of Lend-Lease in reverse to be recorded?
§ Sir J. AndersonI explained to the hon. Gentleman the difficulty of making an exact record in terms of money of the value of goods and services, whether under Lend-Lease or what we call reciprocal union.
§ Mr. StokesHow does the right hon. Gentleman propose to deal with the matter when the President sends in his bill?
§ Sir J. AndersonI think we had better wait.
Dr. Russell ThomasDoes not the right hon. Gentleman consider that public controversy as to which of the Allies has been of the most material help to the War is undesirable at this juncture, and should not these matters be left to the several Governments concerned?
§ Sir J. AndersonCertainly, I myself wish to avoid all unnecessary controversy.