§ Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he intends to introduce legislation for the waiver of repayment of principal and payment of interest on loans made to overseas governments for compensation and commutation of pensions of overseas officers.
§ Mr. WoodHer Majesty's Government originally intended to introduce specific legislation on this subject, but negotiations have meanwhile proceeded with the overseas Governments concerned to provide for the waiver of the loans under the authority of the Appropriation Act. A number of agreements have already been concluded. As there are now few agreements outstanding, the Government propose to continue to rely on the authority of the Act. Token provision for the waiver was included in the Supplementary Estimate for the Overseas Aid (International) Vote, Class II, Vote 5, presented in February 1972.