HC Deb 04 April 1922 vol 152 c2016
45. Mr. T. THOMSON

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that in the past our best customers for ships were on the Continent of Europe, and that if Germany is required to build the 120,000 gross tons of new shipping still due from her as reparations this will mean a loss of orders to the shipyards in this country and further unemployment; and, in view of the very serious position of our shipbuilding trade at the present time, will he offer such inducements to our Allies at the Genoa Conference that these claims may be waived as well as our own?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Sir Robert Horne)

If the Allies were to agree to waive their right to have ships built in Germany it is unsafe to assume that the ships if built at all would be ordered in this country. As regards the last part of the question, I can add nothing to the reply given to the hon. Member on the 21st March.

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