§ 27. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Prime Minister whether he can make any further statement regarding the request of the German Government for a delay in the payments of the 396 indemnity instalments; and whether His Majesty's Government will consult Parliament before consenting to the military occupation of further German territory or the imposition of other sanctions?
§ 30. Captain W. BENNasked the Prime Minister whether he can give a pledge that the Government will not commit this country to a further occupation of German territory, or the imposition of new sanctions for the Treaty, without first consulting Parliament in the matter?
Mr. CHAMBERLAIN (Leader of the House)Conversations were begun this morning between representatives of the French and British Governments and will probably continue for the greater part of this week. I hope that, whilst my colleagues and I are taking part in these discussions, I shall not be pressed to make a statement on the subject.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYMay I, in spite of the request of the right hon. Gentleman, respectfully ask if he can give us some assurance with regard to the second part of my question, as to whether any further military occupation will be undertaken before this House is consulted in accordance with what I believe to be the constitutional practice?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI hope that hon. Members will respond to the appeal I have made. There is great difficulty in answering questions with regard to matters which are at this moment the subject of conversations between foreign Ministers who are in this country and ourselves, but the attitude of His Majesty's Government in this matter is fairly well known to the House.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I am only trying to strengthen his hands?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am grateful to the hon. and gallant Member for his intentions, but if he would occasionally take my hints as to the way in which he can best carry them out, I should be even more grateful.