Czechoslovakia (Loan).

Oral Answers to Questions — Public Health. – in the House of Commons am ar 10 Tachwedd 1938.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Morgan Price Mr Morgan Price , Forest of Dean

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of credit which, up to date, has been granted to Czechoslovakia by the Bank of England under Treasury guarantee, and for what purposes that credit has been used?

Photo of Mr Henry White Mr Henry White , Birkenhead East

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the extent to which the Government of Czechoslovakia have used the special credit of £10,000,000 opened for them by the Bank of England?

Photo of Mr John Simon Mr John Simon , Spen Valley

Up to the present, the Bank of England advance has been drawn on to the extent of £5,000,000. I have not yet received a detailed statement of the purposes for which it is being used.

Photo of Mr Morgan Price Mr Morgan Price , Forest of Dean

Will the Chancellor give an undertaking that this money will not be used for the purpose of advancing German trade in Czechoslovakia, at the expense of our own?

Photo of Mr John Simon Mr John Simon , Spen Valley

The hon. Gentleman is probably aware that we have appointed a liaison officer, who has gone to Prague for the purpose of providing us with detailed information on the purposes for which this money is being used.

Photo of Mr Arthur Henderson Mr Arthur Henderson , Kingswinford

In view of the terrible position in Czechoslovakia at the present time with regard to refugees, will the right hon. Gentleman give this matter consideration, with a view to ensuring that a considerable proportion of this grant will be utilised to help these refugees to come to this country and other countries?

Photo of Mr John Simon Mr John Simon , Spen Valley

It has always been understood, and indeed stipulated, that the primary purpose of the grant of this money is for assisting refugees.

Photo of Mr Arthur Henderson Mr Arthur Henderson , Kingswinford

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the French Government have now indicated their attitude to the proposal that they should join with His Majesty's Government in the proposed guaranteed loan of £10,000,000 to the Government of Czechoslovakia?

Photo of Mr John Simon Mr John Simon , Spen Valley

This matter is at present being discussed with the French Government.