§ 64. Mr. KILEYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether France, Belgium and Italy collect 26 per cent. reparation duty upon German goods imported into their respective countries; if so, what is the approximate amount so collected during the year 1921; and whether, when German goods are imported from the above -mentioned countries into England, they are exempt from reparation duty?
§ Sir R. HORNEThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative and the second part therefore does not arise. As regards the last part of the question, goods of German manufacture imported into this country through France, Belgium or Italy would be exempt from the levy provided they had been the subject of a genuine sale to an independent purchaser in such country who had subsequently re-sold them to an importer in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. KILEYAre we to understand from the reply that neither France, nor Belgium nor Italy have collected this 26 per cent?
§ Sir R. HORNENo, they have not begun collecting it.
§ Captain W. BENNWhen they presented this Bill to the House did not the Government give us to understand that we must vote for it because it was the joint action of the Allies?
§ Sir R. HORNEThere was no compulsion on the House of Commons. At that time the Allies were in entire agreement as to the policy to be pursued.
§ Mr. KILEYDoes the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the position that when these goods are imported direct into this country the Reparation Duty is levied on them, whereas if they are imported directly through these other countries there is no duty on them? Does he not see the absurdity of it?