§ 30. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the basis for assessing the compensation of £250,000 paid by the Reserve Bank of Rhodesia in London to Giesecke and Devrient for banknotes printed for the Reserve Bank of Rhodesia in Salisbury and now deposited with a German bank.
§ Mr. CallaghanThis figure was settled in negotiation between the Board of the Reserve Bank of Rhodesia and the German printing firm.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIs it not the case that these bank notes amounted in value to £100,000 rather than £250,000? Why, then, did the Government agree to this exorbitant settlement? Will not the printers be free in any case to deliver these bank notes to Rhodesia after October 1969? Is not this a great nonsense and a waste of time and money?
§ Mr. CallaghanNo, Sir, I do not think that is so. The matter has been debated. The Board of the Reserve Bank entered into negotiations on the directions of the Secretary of State and a good settlement was reached.