§ 51. Mr. Thomas Reidasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what gifts or loans have been given by Britain to Burma since the end of the war; and if he will make a statement regarding the terms of repayment of the loans.
§ The Minister of State for Economic Affairs (Sir Arthur Salter)Since the war Her Majesty's Government have cancelled debts due by Burma and forgone claims in respect of such things as military administration expenditure amounting in all to £36 million. A debt of £27.8 million is still outstanding which is due to be repaid in accordance with Article 6 of the Treaty of 17th October, 1947, between the two Governments in 20 equal annual instalments beginning not later than 1st April, 1952. As the hon. Member will be aware, the Burma Government have recently requested Her Majesty's Government to agree to the postponement of the repayments due this month.
§ Sir A. SalterNo, Sir. I think there is a Question later in the week in regard to that matter.
§ Mr. A. G. BottomleyWill the right hon. Gentleman agree that these loans have assisted in combating the spread of Communist Imperialism in Asia?
§ Sir A. SalterI will not dispute that.