HC Deb 28 August 1914 vol 66 c287W
Sir JOHN BARRAN

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether ho can now give a decision or announce his intention of acting on the subject of a clearing-house system for dealing with debts owed both ways between this country, Germany, and Austria-Hungary; whether he is aware of the increase of embarrassment caused to traders in this country, in addition to their other difficulties, by the locking up of large amounts of capital in German and Austrian debts, and of the benefit to employment in this country which would follow on the release, wholly or partially, of this capital; and whether he will consider favourably the setting up of a special inquiry into practicable means of balancing British creditors' against British debtors' accounts?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I fear for the moment I can add nothing to the reply which I gave yesterday on this subject to my hon. Friend the Member for East Finsbury.