asked the Minister of Defence what is the value at cost, including final cost under lend-lease settlements, of R.N., Army and R.A.F. stocks, buildings and fixtures in India for the handing over of which negotiations are, at present, proceeding between His Majesty's Government and the interim Government of India.

The stores and other assets are dispersed throughout India, and the quantities to be handed over have not yet been determined. It is not, therefore, possible to estimate the amount which will be brought into any future negotiations on this matter with the Government of India.

Would the Minister of Defence, in settling the amount that is to be paid by the Indian Government for these stores and fixed assets, treat all this as a part of the general settlement of the debt to India?

I think that question should be put to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.