§ 76. Rear-Admiral SUETERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the quantity and value of tinned milk imported into this country; whether it contains the same nourishment as similar brands produced in our home factories; and how it compares in price?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. W. R. Smith)The answer in this case also includes a table of figures. The hon. and gallant Member will, therefore, perhaps agree to its circulation in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the reply:
§ 17. Mr. WISEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether this country is bound by any undertakings given by the late Government to support the French proposal for a continued inter-Allied control of the Rhineland permanently or until 1935 by the establishment of a committee of verification and conciliation?
Mr. A. HENDERSONHis Majesty's Government, as well as the French, German, Belgian, Italian and Japanese Governments, were committed by a decision taken at Geneva last September to the principle of the proposed commission. The composition, operations, object, and duration of the commission are matters which will form the subject of negotiations: on these points His Majesty's Government have not committed themselves, and do not propose to commit themselves until the Conference meets. My hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Wise) is, however, mistaken in referring to inter-Allied control; it is the intention that Germany shall be represented on the commission on the same footing as the other Powers interested.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODDid I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that this country and Germany were equally committed to this commission? In view of the fact that the German Government have now, obviously, changed their mind on the question, are the British Government still as free as the German Government to change their mind?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware of Herr Stresemann's speech last week?
§ Mr. WISECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether any negotiations on the details to which he referred have taken place since September last?
§ 15. Dr. MORRIS-JONESasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet received a deputation from a non-party organisation known as the Women's Peace Council; and, if so, whether, in view of the doubt in the minds of the women of this country, as expressed by this deputation, as to whether His Majesty's Government are-prepared to treat the question of the evacuation of the Rhine independently of the question of reparations, he is prepared to make a further statement so as to relieve the anxiety felt in this matter?
Mr. A. HENDERSONYes, Sir; I received a deputation representing the Women's Peace Crusade on Thursday last. I informed them, just as I have on several occasions informed the House, that His Majesty's Government retain complete liberty to withdraw the British troops from the Rhineland if and when it seems expedient to them to do so. To that statement of the position I am afraid I can add nothing.