asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, as a result of the large sales of silver by China, she has obtained sufficient funds to meet her overdue obligations in respect of sterling loans?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN:

The sales of silver to which my hon. Friend refers have been made by private individuals or institutions and not by the Chinese Government or public authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the date on which representations were last made to the Chinese Government in respect of the arrears of interest on certain sterling loans; and what reply was made by the Chinese Government?

I am not quite clear to what precise sterling obligations of the Chinese Government my hon. Friend refers. The desirability of a general settlement of their obligations outstanding toward British investors is being continually represented to the Chinese Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a settlement of the obligations of the Chinese Government in respect of sterling loans is or will be taken into account in the projected negotiations with that Government?

My hon. Friend may rest assured that this question will be borne in mind in any discussions which may take place with the Chinese Government.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether Sir Leith Ross has instructions to deal with this during his present visit to China?

I could not say without notice.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can furnish an estimate of the face value of Chinese Government bonds held in this country?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN:

I regret that no estimate of the face value of Chinese Government bonds held in this country can be compiled from official sources.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the amount of outstanding interest due by the Chinese Government in respect of sterling loans?

No, Sir, I have no exact figures, and it is not possible to compile them from official sources.