§ Mr. SPOORasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much was paid by the Treasury in the year 1917–18 to meet payments of coupons or interest falling due on the Russian Government obligations, or other Loans, guaranteed by the British or Russian Governments; whether since that year the British Government has made any similar payments; whether he is aware that The French Government has, till recently, paid amounts falling due, on Russian coupons, and has accepted Russian coupons or bonds as part payment of War Loan subscriptions; and whether a similar policy has been considered and definitely rejected by the British Government?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINAs was officially announced in the Press on 28th March, 1918, the British Government from the date of the Russian Revolution up to 31st March, 1918, provided funds to meet coupons payable in London on the direct State Debt of Russia, and on securities having the guarantee of that country. The amount thus provided was £62,855. No similar payments have been made since that date. The answer to the last two parts of the question is in the affirmative.