HC Deb 27 January 1982 vol 16 cc353-4W
Mr. Proctor

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what negotiations he has had with representatives of British banks with regard to outstanding and future loans to Poland; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Brittan

My right hon. and learned Friend has had no such negotiations. Loans to Poland, other than those guaranteed by the Export Credits Guarantee Department, are entirely a matter for the commercial banks which made them.

Mr. Proctor

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what negotiations he has had with representatives of the International Monetary Fund with regard to outstanding and future loans to Poland; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Brittan

I shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.

Mr. Proctor

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what negotiations he has conducted with other Western Finance Ministers with regard to outstanding and future loans to Poland: and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Brittan

Although my right hon. and learned Friend has naturally discussed Poland with other Finance Ministers from time to time, negotiations with other Western creditor countries about outstanding Government guaranteed debt have been undertaken by officials. The questions of holding negotiations about the repayment's due in 1982, and of any future loans to Poland, are in abeyance as noted by the NATO Council in its communiqué of 11 January.

Mr. Proctor

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will commission a report on the effects of loans to Poland and to other East European countries.

Mr. Brittan

No. I do not think that this would be a useful step to take.