asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many bankruptcies have occurred in Western Germany since currency reform; and whether any arrangements are available through the Allied control authorities for providing credit facilities for newly-established businesses.

In reply to the first part of the Question, this subject is no longer a responsibility of His Majesty's Government. The answer to the second part is in the negative.

On a point of Order. May I have your Ruling, Mr. Speaker? If this Question does not come within the purview of my right hon. Friend's Department, why is it that it has been allowed to appear on the Order Paper?

I should like to have notice of that.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the average rate of interest charged for all import and export business in Germany is 8 per cent. to 9 per cent., and that this is likely to provoke inflation and a serious industrial crisis in Germany?

I was not aware that that was the percentage. I am not in the business. I will look it up.

Can I ask the Foreign Secretary, even although it is not the business of his Department, if he will show particular sympathy to these bankrupts, in view of the bankruptcy of his own policy?