HC Deb 04 July 1950 vol 477 cc247-8
56. Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of acceptance credits by British merchant bankers to countries in Europe which have been sanctioned by the Bank of England and the Treasury since 1st August, 1945.

Sir S. Cripps

I regret the information is not available without a great deal of labour, which would not be justified.

Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre

Will the right bon. and learned Gentleman say whether, so far as these loans are concerned, any case has come to the notice of the Government where the credit has been suddenly withdrawn, and therefore, under the terms sanctioned by the Bank of England, defeated the purposes for which such a loan was made?

Sir S. Cripps

That is another question. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put it on the Order Paper, I will try to answer it.