HC Deb 30 March 1922 vol 152 cc1517-8
34. Mr. L. MALONE

asked the Prime Minister whether the proposal put for ward for the settlement of the German reparations problem by the acceptance of Germany of responsibility for inter-Allied debts was made with the concurrence, of the Allied Governments; if not, have these proposals been submitted to them, and have any answers been received; and has the attitude of the German Government been ascertained?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Sir Robert Home)

The hon. Member is presumably referring to a scheme mentioned by me at the recent Conference of Allied Ministers at Paris. This scheme was not put forward as a definite proposal, but as a suggestion for consideration, together with other schemes. Accordingly, the questions asked do not arise.

Mr. LYLE-SAMUEL

May I ask whether the British Government has approved, as one of the terms, of the levy on capital in Germany, in view of the fact that they ruled out a levy on capital in this country?

Mr. SPEAKER

Notice must be given of that question.

92. Mr. KILEY

asked the President of the Board of Trade if His Majesty's Government have decided to forego the collection of 26 per cent. German Reparation Duty on fresh fish; and, if so, are they also prepared to withdraw the collection of the same duty on green and other perishable fruits and vegetables?

Mr. McCURDY (for Sir R. Home)

Fresh fish first consigned from Germany to the United Kingdom, in common with other goods so consigned, is liable to the Separation levy, and there is no intention of excluding it. The second part of the question, therefore, does not arise. Fish caught outside German territorial waters by German trawlers and brought direct to United Kingdom ports is not liable to the levy.

Lieut.-Colonel NALL

Will the hon. Gentleman convey to the Chancellor of the Exchequer this question—why this fish which is dumped by German trawlers is not charged this duty, seeing that it is prejudicing the English trawling industry? Will it be made liable to this duty?

Mr. McCURDY

That supplementary question will be brought to the attention of the right hon. Gentleman.