§ 54. Sir W. Smithersasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give the figures of the total amount owing by the British Government to private individuals and corporations and Dominion and foreign Governments, respectively, distinguishing approximately between short-term and long-term indebtedness, at the 31st March, 1939, and for each year 1945 to 1954 inclusive.
§ Mr. MaudlingI regret that this information is not available.
§ Sir W. SmithersDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that we can only pay our debts abroad if we stop inflation and keep up both the external and internal purchasing power of the £ sterling by every means possible, and that an increase in the salary of Members of Parliament is against that principle?
§ Mr. MaudlingThese matters are constantly in the mind of my right hon. Friend.