HC Deb 15 November 1920 vol 134 cc1489-90
63. Mr. KILEY

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether all Diesel engines in Germany are to be destroyed; and whether such engines are indispensable in industry?

29. Mr. MYERS

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state approximately the number of Diesel engines which the Ambassadors' Conference, in accordance with its decision of 2nd December, has called upon Germany to destroy; whether any of these engines are capable of being used for other than naval purposes; and whether the Allies will see that Germany is not called upon to destroy engines capable of being used for industrial purposes?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

It has been decided to leave the engines at the disposal of the German Government on the understanding that they can be used for commercial purposes only. To ensure that this is actually the case, the German Government has been asked to report the actual employment of these engines not later than 31st March, 1921.

Sir F. HALL

Is Germany going to pay for these engines?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I do not understand what my hon. Friend means.

Sir F. HALL

The engines were to be destroyed under the Peace terms. If these engines are not going to be destroyed but are going to be handed over to Germany for industrial purposes, ought not Germany, under the circumstances, to pay for them?

Mr. BILLING

Have the Government considered the advisability of taking over these engines for our own commercial work, having regard to the fact that they use crude oil, by which great economies can be effected?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

Perhaps I had better have notice of that.