HC Deb 30 October 2003 vol 412 c317W
Bob Spink

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received on the cancellation of continuing debt incurred by the UK(a) during and (b) in the aftermath of the Second World War. [135255]

Ruth Kelly

No specific representations concerning the cancellation of the debt incurred by the UK as a result of the Second World War have been received in recent years. However successive Governments have undertaken to meet the obligations under the terms of the debt incurred by repaying the United States and Canadian Governments in full the amounts lent in 1945.

Tim Loughton

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much has been paid to the United States in settlement of military equipment provision during World War II in each year since 1973. [134946]

Ruth Kelly

From 1973 to 2000, the UK made annual repayments of principal and interest of around US$153 million, made up of a US$138 million scheduled repayment of principal and interest plus US$15 million of interest on the six deferred payments, to the United States in respect of its Second World War Loans. In 2001 and 2002, the repayments were US$152 million and US$150 million respectively.