Lend-Lease

HC Deb 19 October 1943 vol 392 cc1215-6

61. Mr. Stokes

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was approximately the amount of Lend-Lease from the United States of America to Great Britain to the end of June; and whether he will, in future, give the figures quarterly to this House?

Sir J. Anderson

No attempt is made to keep a record in terms of the cash value to us of the Lend-Lease aid received from the U.S.A.

Mr. Stokes

Is the Chancellor aware that the President of the United States, reporting to Congress in June, gave a figure? Further, in view of the fact that he recently stated that when the war is over nations who receive benefit under Lend-Lease will be expected to pay back not in money but in goods or other benefits, would it not be a good thing if the House knew what was the indebtedness?

Sir J. Anderson

I have looked into the figures published on the other side, and they do not give the value for each particular country.

Mr. Stokes

Will the Chancellor read the President's report to Congress in June, in which he gave figures specifically and stated that the amount was approximately £1,500,000,000?

64. Mr. G. Strauss

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the report made to Congress by the five American Senators who were recently in this country on a good-will mission, he will give an assurance that the British Government is not taking advantage of the Lend-Lease Agreement to make a financial profit and that the goods received by this country have not been diverted from their original purpose, in view of the effect of such allegations on our relations with the United States of America?

Sir J. Anderson

I do not think the points at issue to which the hon. Member refers were precisely as he has represented in his Question. I can assure the hon. Member that our arrangements, of which the American Administration has full knowledge, do not result in our deriving any improper advantage from Lend-Lease. Cases occur regularly where Lend-Lease goods are transferred by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to other Empire and to Allied Governments but only by specific agreement with the United States Government. Furthermore, Lend-Lease goods are not diverted from their original purpose except again by specific agreement with the United States Government. Care is also taken to see that recipients are left in no doubt as to the origin of the goods supplied.