§ Mr. WISEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the amount of Portuguese Treasury bills held by the British Government was increased by £9,480,000; and when the amount of Grecian Treasury bills was increased by £7,210,350?
Mr. YOUNGThe amount of Portuguese and Greek Treasury Bills held by His Majesty's Government has been increased by the total amounts mentioned by the deposit of Bills at numerous dates1924W between the Armistice and 31st March last. The additional Portuguese Bills represent partly funds advanced to enable the Portuguese Government to meet as and when established the claims of British Departments for goods supplied and services rendered from dates before the Armistice up to 30th June, 1919, and partly that portion of interest due which has been added to the capital of the debt. The additional Treasury Bills deposited by Greece cover partly advances previously made in the form of book credits, and partly that portion of interest due which has been added to the capital of the debt.
I desire to take this opportunity of making a correction in the answer given to my hon. Friend on the 14th instant. It was there stated that except in the case of the Belgian Reconstruction Credit interest due since the Armistice has been met by the deposit of Bills. In addition to interest on the Belgian Reconstruction Credit, interest has been received in full on the Belgian Congo loan and also in part on the advances to Greece and Portugal.