§ 52. Lord ROBERT CECILasked the Prime Minister whether he has official information to the effect that the, supply of milk in Germany is insufficient to supply the needs of invalids and young children there; whether the cession, under the Treaty, of 140,000 head of milch Cows will seriously increase this insufficiency; and whether, in these circumstances, His Majesty's Government will use their influence with the Governments of France and Belgium to postpone this cession?
§ Major Sir BERTRAM FALLEWould the right hon. Gentleman also tell us how many Belgian and French children have suffered and are suffering owing to the invasion of Belgian and French towns by the Germans?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWSupplies of fresh milk are unfortunately scarce in many parts of Europe-, including Belgium, Northern France, and Germany. Efforts 1811 have been made to supplement these sup plies by the importation of condensed milk, and it is hoped that arrivals of feeding-stuffs will ease the situation during the coming winter.
The cession of 140,000 head of milch cows was demanded in partial replacement of milch cows requisitioned by Germany from Belgium and Northern France. I understand that the fulfilment of this Clause of the Peace Treaty is not automatic, but depends upon the findings of the Reparation Commission, which will consider all material facts.