58. Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALLasked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Government have any information regarding the Report that the Main Committee of the German Reichstag have approved the expenditure of 25,000,000 marks for the building of a light cruiser; if he will state whether such action conforms to the spirit of the Peace Treaty; and whether expenditure of this nature will affect the ability of Germany to comply with her obligations as to financial reparations?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, but His Majesty's Ambassador at Berlin has been instructed to make an immediate inquiry. With regard to the second part of the question, Germany has the right under the Peace Treaty to build light cruisers up to 6,000 tons, in order to replace ships allowed under the Treaty. The point, however, is one for the Reparation Commission, whose attention has been drawn to it.
Sir F. HALLAs my right hon. Friend is inquiring from our representatives at Berlin, will it be convenient if I put a question down for this day week?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes.