§ 28. Mr. KILEYasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that traders importing goods of German origin from France, Belgium, Holland, and Switzerland are not required to make any payment under the German Reparation (Recovery) Act, but that firms importing the same class of goods direct from Germany are called upon to pay His Majesty's Customs 50 per cent., and in some cases 100 per cent., of their value, and on similar goods imported since 12th May, 26 per cent., in addition to heavy charges for demurrage, rent, warehousing, etc.; and, in view of the undertaking by the German Government to pay to the Reparations Commission a sum representing 26 per cent. on all goods exported from Germany since 1st May last, is he now prepared to recommend the House to suspend the operations of the German Reparation (Recovery) Act, 1921?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI have been asked to reply. In view of the acceptance by the German Government of the Reparation Settlement, under which they have agreed to repay to exporters of goods from Germany the levy of 26 per cent. imposed by that Settlement, the Board of Trade have issued an Order limiting the application of the German Reparation (Recovery) Act to goods first consigned from Germany All exports from Germany will be liable to the levy, but in the case of direct exports to this country, the levy will be collected by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise. In the case of exports to countries which have not adopted similar legislation to our own, the levy will be collected by the German Government. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ Captain W. BENNCan the hon. Gentleman say what precise advantage accrues to us collecting this very small part of reparations at our expense?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEWe make perfectly certain that we get it.
§ Captain BENNThen the other way is not certain?
§ Mr. KILEYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that coal coming from the Ruhr Valley does not pay duty at all?
§ Mr. BRIGGSIs the hon. Gentleman aware that traders are finding very great difficulty in getting their goods through the Customs, even after they have made sworn declarations as to date of contract, etc.? Is he aware that the usual thing is for the Customs to ask for a bond to be entered into for payment of the duty by the trader if he be called upon for it by the Customs, and may I ask if the hon. Gentleman could see his way to give some instructions whereby the traders' position may be more fairly and properly considered?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI do not catch quite clearly the points put by my hon. Friend, but if he has any specific case that he would like to bring to my notice, I shall be very glad to consider it. In regard to the points raised by the hon. Gentleman opposite (Mr. Kiley), it was part of the arrangement come to in the final settlement that it should be open to every country to collect this levy in its own country.
§ Mr. KILEYIn view of the fact that neither France nor Belgium has collected a penny, would it not be better to have a uniform arrangement for the levy?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMENo, Sir. I do not think it would. It makes no difference whatever in the matter of trade whether the 26 per cent. is collected in this country or otherwise.
§ 57. Mr. GALBRAITHasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the amount received in respect of the German Reparation (Recovery) Act?
Mr. YOUNGThe amount received under the German Reparation (Recovery) Act up to the 2nd instant inclusive was £30,000.
§ Captain W. BENNWhat was the total cost incurred in collecting on the revenue and on the trade?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat question had better be placed on the Paper.
§ Mr. KILEYHas the Financial Secretary not estimated the cost for clearance and other charges at at least £50,000?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat question, too, had better be placed on the Paper?