HC Deb 03 August 1922 vol 157 cc1660-1
45. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any arrangement has yet been arrived at with the German Government in connection with their indebtedness to this country to furnish a substantial part of the raw timber annually imported into this country from abroad, amounting during the past three years to the value of about £170,000,000, having regard to the large area of Germany which is under scientifically planted forests which were practically untouched during the War?

Mr. YOUNG

Yes, Sir. Arrangements were made early this year for timber to be delivered in payment of reparation to this country. The maximum figure fixed for 1922 deliveries to this country is 2,000 standards of the value of about, £3½ millions, but owing to delays and other causes it is not expected that more than about one quarter of this will be delivered within the year. The amount for 1923 is under discussion, but will be much larger than in 1922.

Sir W. DAVISON

Can the hon. Gentleman give any explanation as to why such a very paltry amount of timber is being delivered by Germany, seeing that one-fourth of the German Empire is under scientifically planted forests?

Mr. YOUNG

I will make inquiries and let my hon. Friend know the result.

46. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any request has been addressed to the German Government that they would obtain from their nationals, as was done in this country during the War, the scrip and other securities in respect of the large investments made by Germans in the United States and other foreign countries before, during, and subsequent to the War, whereby Germany is evading payment of her debts, so that the said securities can be deposited with the Allied Governments as some security in respect of German indebtedness, and especially to assist the Allies in meeting their heavy debt to America?

Mr. YOUNG

The answer is in the negative.

Sir W. DAVISON

Will the hon. Gentleman say why the Treasury thought it proper to make a demand of this kind when this country was in urgent need of money during the War and they do not think it proper to make a similar demand on Germany who owes us so much money?

Mr. YOUNG

This again raises a delicate question, and I would rather the hon. Member put it down on the Paper.

Sir W. DAVISON

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I have raised this question with the Chancellor of the Exchequer for months past? It is a matter of very great importance, whereby this country can get millions out of Germany. Germany is avoiding her debts in this way.

Mr. YOUNG

I am perfectly convinced that any relevant suggestion made by the hon. Member will receive the most careful consideration of the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Sir W. DAVISON

Will the hon. Gentleman give it further consideration and advise me during the recess what his decision is so that it can be made public?

Mr. YOUNG

I will certainly draw the further attention of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the hon. Member's view.

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