HC Deb 29 October 1946 vol 428 cc447-8
62. Mr. Piratin

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what loans have been granted to the Czechoslovak Government by His Majesty's Government; and if he will give the details, stating at what rates of interest and repayment terms the loans have been made.

Mr. Dalton

As the answer contains a number of figures I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

(1) £5 million on 15th August, 1945, for reconstruction purposes. Interest at 2¼ per cent. per annum, commencing on 15th January, 1949. Principal amount of the advances repayable in sterling during the years 1949–1953.

(2) £6 million under the Czechoslovakia Financial Assistance Act of 1939. Terms of repayment are still under discussion with the Czechoslovak Government.

(3) £13,843,881 5s. 7d. representing advances made to the Czechoslovak Government during the war for the maintenance of their Armed Forces and their Administration in London. The terms of repayment have not finally been agreed.

It is, however, my intention not to ask for repayment as regards Nos. 2 and 3 before 1954.