HC Deb 20 March 1950 vol 472 cc1557-8
63. Mr. Erroll

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present position regarding a Common- wealth loan to Burma; and what British participation is proposed.

53. Mr. Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the proposed loan to Burma.

Mr. Ernest Davies

A joint reply to the Burmese Government's request for financial assistance was handed to the Burmese Acting Foreign Minister in Rangoon on 7th March, 1950, on behalf of the Governments of the United Kingdom, Australia, India, Pakistan and Ceylon. A joint statement will be issued when the Burmese reply has been received. A sum of three and three-quarter million pounds is proposed as the United Kingdom Government's share in this loan as provided in the Estimates for 1950–51.

Mr. Erroll

Can the Minister say what effect there will be on this Commonwealth loan through our granting the short-term loan announced in the Supplementary Estimates?

Mr. Davies

They are two separate loans.