HC Deb 06 December 1960 vol 631 cc1040-1
10. Mr. Jay

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much has been lent to Western Germany by the United Kingdom Government since 1945; and how much has been repaid.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

Economic assistance in kind furnished to West Germany by Her Majesty's Government in the early post-war years amounted to £201.8 million. It was agreed in 1953 that the Federal Government should repay £150 million of this sum over twenty years in full and final settlement. So far £82.5 million has been repaid.

Mr. Jay

If the German Government still owe us £120 million—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."]—I am sorry—£70 million, might not if be beneficial if this debt were repaid rather quicker? Has the Chancellor thought of approaching the German Government on this matter?

Mr. Lloyd

In fact, the next three payments have already been deposited in London.