asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he will take steps to prevent British banks from completing contracts for the provision of 200 million dollars in loans to SEGBA of Buenos Aires;(2) whether he will take steps to prevent British banks from bidding for the 250 million dollar eight year credit being sought by Gas del Estado of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The Treasury's directions issued on 3 April 1982 prohibit inter alia any bank in the United Kingdom, Isle of Man and Channel Islands from making new loans at the request of residents of the Argentine Republic unless permission is given by or on behalf of the Tseasury. Permission would not be given for banks in the United Kingdom to participate in the two loans the hon. Member mentions, or in any similar operations.