HC Deb 15 May 1919 vol 115 cc1735-6
47 Mr. BOTTOMLEY

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether, in fixing the period over which Germany's payments are to be spread, the Peace Conference is bearing in mind the fact that she should be in a much more prosperous position after the expiration of thirty years than at any time during that period; (2) whether he can state the approximate amounts to be demanded from Germany under the respective heads of reparation for damage done and reimbursement of the cost of the War; (3) whether the International Commission on Germany's capacity to pay has so far arrived at any figure?

Mr. BONAR LAW (Leader of the House)

I cannot say anything in answer to the three questions of my hon. Friend beyond what I said to him on Monday last.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

Has the right hon. Gentleman, ever been asked before whether this International Commission on Germany's capacity to pay has so far arrived at any figure?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That was put to me in a supplementary question on my hon. Friend's question, and I said then that different nationalities had made provisional estimates, but no statement could be made.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

In view of the fact that this is the third Commission at least which has been charged with this inquiry, will the right hon. Gentleman report to the Prime Minister that it would be better at once to sign judgment against Germany for the cost of the War, and to inquire afterwards into her capacity to pay?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That is raising a question quite different from what has been decided. The terms I announced to my hon. Friend which were, I think, contained in the summary, are the terms which have been submitted to the German Government.

Lieutenant-Colonel C. LOWTHER

Is it not a fact that Germany's vast resources before the War enabled her to compete for the world's supremacy, and is there any reason to suppose that the careful handling of those resources will not enable her to be in a position to pay interest on the whole of the Allies war debt, and according to the magnitude of the Sinking Fund to discharge it in forty, fifty, or sixty years?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The hon. and gallant Gentleman does not raise any new point. There is not a point that was not fully considered by the delegates of His Majesty's Government.

Lieutenant-Colonel LOWTHER

Have the delegates formulated the total bill of the British Empire?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I really can add nothing to what I have said.

Lieutenant-Colonel LOWTHER

You did not answer me.

Mr. BONAR LAW

If the hon. Member has read the summary he will see precisely what the British and other delegates have done in this matter.