§ Commander Sir E. NICHOLLasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state what is the total amount of money owing to this country by all foreign countries before and during the War; are we receiving interest; how is it being paid; on those countries not paying interest is the amount added yearly to the capital sum owing; and what is the average interest being charged?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe obligations of the Allies to this country amounted on the 31st March last, in round figures, to £1,568,447,000. With minor exceptions, no interest is actually being paid. Except in the cases of Belgium and Serbia, which are not charged interest, and Russia, which was charged 6 per cent., interest at 5 per cent is charged against the Allies, the amounts being added to the capital debt outstanding. Certain small advances to foreign countries were made previous to the War, amounting now, in round figures, to £300,000. Particulars of these are given in the annual Finance Accounts.