§ 73. Mr. Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that, under the Mutual Defence Act, Britain was allocated $122 million by the United States Government, for 1949–50 and 1950–51, towards the cost of re-armament; that, by the end of March, 1952, only $18 million of this amount had been received; and when he anticipates receiving the remainder.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerYes. The allocation of $122 million was mainly for the purchase of machine tools from U.S.A. and can be used only as the machine tools become available. As for receipt of the remaining amount, I would refer the hon. Member to the speech of the Prime Minister on 5th March, 1952.
§ 74. Mr. Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that, under the Mutual Security Act, Britain was allocated $300 million for the economic support of the British defence programme by the United States Government; that only 16W $1 million have so far been received; and when he anticipates receiving the remainder of this allocation.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerReceipts in respect of the $300 million allocation amounted at the end of April to $20 million. In regard to future collections I have no reason to vary the estimate given by my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary on 10th April.