HC Deb 15 June 1922 vol 155 cc538-9
34. Mr. WISE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total amount of German Government bonds deposited with the Reparation Commission?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Sir Robert Horne)

In accordance with Article 2 of the Schedule of Payments, Germany has delivered to the Reparation Commission Series A Bonds for 12 milliard gold marks, Series B Bonds for 38 milliard gold marks, and Series C Bonds for 82 milliard gold marks (subject to such subsequent adjustment as may be required under Article 1 of the Schedule of Payments).

38. Major MACKENZIE WOOD

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether goods of German manufacture imported into Great Britain from France, Belgium, and Italy are exempted from the 26 per cent. Reparation Duty, whilst on similar goods imported direct from Germany this 26 per cent. is levied?

Sir R. HORNE

Reparation levy is chargeable on all goods first consigned from Germany to the United Kingdom. The fact that goods of German manufacture were imported into this country through an intermediate country would not exempt them from the levy unless they had been the subject of a genuine sale to an independent purchaser in that country who had subsequently re-sold them to an importer in the United Kingdom.

Sir H. COWAN

Would my right hon. Friend say whether this duty is actually levied on goods exported from Germany?

Sir R. HORNE

Certainly it is.

39. Mr. FOOT

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, seeing that neither France, Belgium, nor Italy levy reparation duty on German goods as they enter their respective countries, but receive the amount due by quarterly payments, he will say why His Majesty's Government do not adopt this method instead of the present costly system?

Sir R. HORNE

It is not the case, as implied in the question, that France. Belgium, and Italy receive any such quarterly payments, nor any amounts corresponding to the sums received by this country under the provisions of the German Reparation (Recovery) Act. If the operation of the Act were suspended the effect would be that such amounts would not, during the existence of the present arrangements, be received at all.

Mr. KILEY

Does that mean that neither Belgium, Italy, nor France levy any reparation duty on goods imported from Germany?

Sir R. HORNE

No. That is a complete misapprehension of the answer.