HC Deb 20 February 1958 vol 582 cc1389-90
41. Mr. Jay

asked the Chanceller of the Exchequer what loans were made to West Germany by the United Kingdom Government in the early post-war years; and how far these loans have been repaid by the West German Government.

Mr. Maudling

Loans were made to West Germany by Her Majesty's Government in the early post-war years in kind by way of economic assistance. The value of this assistance was £201.8 million. It was agreed in 1953 that the Federal Government should repay £150 million of this sum over 20 years in full and final settlement. So far £37.5 million has been repaid. In addition, a deposit of £75 million was made in 1957 by the German Central Bank with the Bank of England from which future repayments could be made.

Mr. Jay

Does that mean that there is still a considerable outstanding balance owed to this country by West Germany?

Mr. Maudling

Yes, Sir. The outstanding balance would be £112½ million.