§ Mr. Owenasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the amount of the National Debt, and the rate of interest payable, in 1951 and 1961, respectively; and what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government in relation to this matter.
§ Mr. du CannThe figures are as follows:
— 1951 1961 National Debt outstanding on 31st March £25,922m. £28,252m. Average rate of interest paid in the following financial year 2.2% 3.6% The Government's policy is to continue to be guided by the needs of the economy as a whole.