HC Deb 30 November 1948 vol 458 cc1812-3
50. Major Bruce

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total amount of aid granted by Britain to other countries since the end of the war, distinguishing between amounts loaned and outright gifts or grants.

Sir S. Cripps

Aid by the United Kingdom to other countries since the end of the war to the middle of 1948 amounted to approximately £870 million in cash, goods and services, of which £470 million are recoverable. These figures do not include grants to be made available under the Intra-European Payments Scheme.

Major Bruce

Will my right hon. and learned Friend give the very widest publicity to these figures, as there are quite a number of evilly-disposed people wishing it to be known that this country acts only as a beggar?

Sir S. Cripps

I hope the widest publicity will be given to them.

Mr. Scollan

May I ask the Chancellor if he will give us figures of the cost of the aid given to Berlin due to the air lift?

Sir S. Cripps

That is not included in these figures.