HC Deb 28 February 1946 vol 419 c2107
60. Captain Blackburn

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the present market value of the U.S. dollar securities, sold by Britain to the U.S.A. between the outbreak of war and the start of Lend-Lease. and the amount by which this value exceeds the purchase price paid for suchsecurities.

Mr. Dalton

The information at my disposal does not enable me to give a reliable estimate of the present market value of these securities.

Mr. Ralph Assheton

May I ask whether the Chancellor will look at this matter again, because it seems that it would be very helpful to our relations with America if that figure were available?

Mr. Dalton

I am not so sure.

Captain Blackburn

Would it not have a considerable effect on the minds of members of Congress who are making up their minds whether to approve of the loan or not?