§ 51. Brigadier-General CROFTasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the speech by Count von Roedern on 23rd April, stating that a fundamental taxation division into direct and indirect taxes would at present be premature, as the amount of the indemnity which they would win was not known yet in Germany; and whether, having regard to this statement and that of the Finance Minister for Saxony, also of Admiral von Tirpitz and the resolutions of the Bremen municipality, all demanding war indemnities, he will make quite clear that all previous statements with regard to the policy of no indemnities must be regarded as no longer having effect?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)I do not think this is the time when any useful discussion can take place as to the terms of peace.
§ General CROFTMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if his attention has been called to a statement in the "Frankfurter Zeitung" during the last day or two that the German Treasury Minister nowߞߞ
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Gentleman must give notice of a question like that.
§ General CROFTOn a point of Order, Mr. SPEAKER. May I suggest that the supplementary question arises directly out of the main question?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and gallant Gentleman was asking whether the attention of the Leader of the House has been called to an article in the "Frankfurter 1285 Zeitung" on a certain date, and then he was proceeding to read the article out to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The Minister should have notice.
§ General CROFTOn a point of Order, Sir. Does not my supplementary question bear directly on the question which deals with a subject of very great importance?
§ Mr. SPEAKERIt may bear directly on the main question, but if so, why was it not inserted in the main question?
§ General CROFTBecause the statement was only published in yesterday morning's papers.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThen the question might have been postponed.