§ 32. Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyreasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state, as at the latest convenient date, the total of contingent liabilities incurred by Her Majesty's Government through Treasury Guarantees.
§ Mr. H. BrookeThe total nominal net liability of Her Majesty's Government at 31st March, 1955, in respect of guaranteed loans in sterling was approximately £3,350 million. In addition there were contingent liabilities at that date in respect of certain loans in currencies other than sterling. Details can be found on pages 68 to 73 of Finance Accounts of the United Kingdom 1954–55.
§ Colonel Crosthwaite-EyreWould my right hon. Friend consider, among other things, the question of reducing these liabilities, certainly so far as the nationalised industries are concerned, by making them go to the market at a much earlier date, rather than that they should be allowed to rely on funds under Treasury guarantee?
§ Mr. BrookeThat opens up a very big question.