§ 40. Mr. BRIANTasked the Prime Minister, if the proposed indemnity from Germany to this country is to be paid for in goods; and, if so, can he say, for the information of British manufacturers whose products may be competed with by the introduction of large quantities 1405 of German manufactures, what is the class and nature of such goods as will be accepted in part payment of the indemnity?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI can add nothing at present to the statements I have recently made on this subject to the House.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs it not a fact that the mercantile shipping which has been "pinched" from Germany and sold to the shipowners of this country is one of the causes of the depression in the shipyards of this country?
§ Mr. BRIANTCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us when he can give us some definite information, as obviously it is a question affecting the industries of the country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERApparently the hon. Gentleman did not think it necessary to come to the House when this question was discussed. It was discussed for three hours some nine or ten days ago.
§ 43. Sir. H. BRITTAINasked the Prime Minister what methods, if any, are being adopted to discover from inquiries on the spot the actual internal conditions of Germany with a view to obtaining the fullest information in regard to her ability to discharge her debts to the Allies?
§ The PRIME MINISTERMy hon. Friend can depend that the Governments of the Allies are taking every measure to ascertain the financial position of Germany.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINSeeing the enormous importance of this question, could not the right hon. Gentleman spare a Member of the Cabinet to go over to make first-hand inquiries?