§ 37. Mr. LYLEasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the repeated attempts to represent Germany as poverty stricken and impoverished; whether, seeing that reliable reports indicate her ability, on the contrary, to make very substantial statements if she seriously intends and ever means to do so, he will take steps to satisfy the desire of the people of this country, who are getting tired of the interminable delay in this matter of reparation by the Government at Berlin?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on Monday last to questions by the hon. and gallant Members for Central Hull and for Leith.
Colonel C. LOWTHERIs it not a fact that not only the German railways but many of the leading industries have been very heavily subsidised and that many businesses have declared dividends of 30 to 40 per cent?
61. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSONasked the Prime Minister whether he can state the result already attained by the sanctions applied to Germany; and whether any further sanctions are in contemplation?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt is too early to state the result of the sanctions already applied, as there has not yet been time for them to take effect. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on Monday last to questions on this subject.
§ 48. Mr. C. WHITEasked the Prime Minister whether he can state in which of the Allied countries legislation similar to the German Reparation (Recovery) Act has been passed?
§ The PRIME MINISTERLegislation similar to the German Reparation (Recovery) Act has been passed by the Chamber in France, and by both Chambers in Belgium. Greece, Serbia, Liberia, Portugal, Siam, Rumania, Italy, and Japan have initiated similar legislation.
§ Mr. WHITEWill the 50 per cent, tariff that is to be imposed apply to the coal that is now being sent by Germany to France, either as part of the indemnity or in any other way?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat has nothing to do with this question. If notice be given, I shall see exactly what will be the effect.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAre the reports true that the Austrian Government has also been required to introduce legislation of this character against Germany?
§ Mr. KILEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many complications have arisen in this country owing to our passing this legislation, whilst our Allies have done nothing of the kind, and will he not be prepared to suspend it until our Allies have entered into some arrangement regarding this matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe must look after our own interests.
§ 49. Mr. KILEYasked the Prime Minister whether he can state when and where the Allied Conference will be held which is to discuss the question of the further sanctions to be applied to Germany?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo Inter-Allied Conference has yet been fixed, but I am having an informal meeting with M. Briand this week-end, at which we shall have a preliminary exchange of views.