HC Deb 27 November 1922 vol 159 cc271-2
28. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Prime Minister whether any suggestions have been made by either the French Government or by Signor Mussolini to include in the discussion at Lausanne the question of inter-Allied debts; and whether the House can be assured that His Majesty's Government still stand by the Balfour Note on this subject?

50. Mr. PRINGLE

asked the Prime Minister whether the Balfour Note still represents the policy of His Majesty's Government?

The PRIME MINISTER

The answer to the first part of Question No. 28 is in the negative. So fair no formal discussion with our Allies has taken place on the subject of reparations; and when it does the Government will be free to consider the question in all its aspects.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

are we to understand from that answer that this Government does hold itself open to revise the policy laid down in the Balfour Note in regard to inter-Allied debts?

The PRIME MINISTER

It does mean that we are perfectly free to reconsider the question in all its aspects.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Has the Government yet considered the question?

The PRIME MINISTER

My answer implied that it had not yet been considered.

Mr. PRINGLE

Will the right hon. Gentleman not be intimidated by the fact that the Labour party alone support the Balfour Note?

The PRIME MINISTER

As I do not quite follow the hon. Member's question, I cannot reply.