§ Mr. Newensasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total value of Chilean debts to Great Britain; and how much is due in 1974, 1975 and 1976, respectively, in interest and capital repayments.
§ Mr. DellWe have no exact figures, but it is estimated that Chile's total outstanding debt to the United Kingdom amounts to approximately £124– £125 million. Repayments of capital and interest due in 1974, 1975 and 1976 are estimated at approximately £14 million, £13 million and £10 million respectively.
§ Mr. Newensasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if Her Majesty's Government support the Club of Paris agreement to permit the Chilean junta to postpone repayments of interest and capital due on Chilean international debts until 1977; and if any representations on the treatment of political prisoners were made in this connection.
§ Mr. DellThe multilateral agreement for the rescheduling of Chile's external debt, which postponed repayment of 80 per cent. of debts due in 1973 and 1974 until 1st January 1977, was signed by all the members of the Paris Club, including the United Kingdom. The chairman drew the attention of the Chilean representatives to the concern felt by members of the club about the observance of human rights in Chile. Since then Her Majesty's Government have repeatedly expressed their concern about human rights to the Chilean authorities.
548W
§ Mr. Newensasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if their was unanimous agreement on the rescheduling of Chilean debts among the European Governments with similar claims against Chile.
§ Mr. DellThe creditor countries which took part in the multilateral debt negotiations and signed the multilateral agreement are as follows:
Belgium Netherlands Canada Spain West Germany Sweden Denmark Switzerland France United Kingdom Japan USA
§ Mr. Newensasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make the agreement of Her Majesty's Government to any proposals for further rescheduling of Chilean international debts conditional upon an amnesty for prisoners detained without trial for supporting the Government of President Allende.
§ Mr. DellThere is currently no proposal for a further rescheduling agreement with Chile. Her Majesty's Government will, in the future as in the past, seek the most effective ways of making known their concern for human rights in Chile.