HC Deb 08 May 1919 vol 115 cc1110-1
Mr. BOTTOMLEY

In the absence of the Leader of the House, I beg to ask the Home Secretary a question of which I have given him private, notice, namely, whether it is correct to assume from the official summary of the Peace Treaty published to-day that, so, far as cash indemnities are concerned, the only points so far definitely settled are that Germany is to make reparation for damage to persons and property under the seven heads enumerated in the summary, the total obligation in respect of which is to be notified not later than the 1st May, 1921;that she is to reimburse Belgium all sums borrowed by that country from the Allies, that within two years Germany is to pay £l,000,000,000 sterling, a further £2,000,000,000 in bonds at various rates of interest with a sinking fund beginning in 1926, and a further £2,000,000,000 in 5 per cent. bonds under terms not yet fixed; and whether these prospective payments amount in the aggregate to £5,000,000,000 sterling and are subject to possible deductions in respect of the cost of the Army of Occupation and other matters?

Mr. SHORTT

Before answering this question, I should like to have an opportunity of communicating with my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House, who is on his way back from Paris. I should be very much obliged if my hon. Friend would postpone the question until Monday.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

I shall be pleased to postpone the question till Monday, but I desire to give notice that, if the answer is unsatisfactory in my view, I shall ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House.

Sir E. CARSON

Will the House have an opportunity, if so desired, of discussing the Peace terms?

Mr. SHORTT

I would ask that that question be repeated when my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House is present.

Colonel C. LOWTHER

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the British delegates have formulated our reparation claims in Paris, and have they laid our claims in full on the Peace table, and will any moneys which are paid during the next two years only be considered as payment on account?

Mr. SHORTT

I must have notice of that.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member should give notice of that very complicated question.