17. Captain BENNasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will now state whether the German Government has refused to refund the 26 per cent. reparation duty on goods bearing Bad Ems permits; and whether German goods shipped to this country pay 36 per cent. duty as against 10 per cent. payable on such goods shipped to other European countries?
§ Viscount WOLMERI have seen allegations that the German Government refuse to refund the 26 per cent. reparation duty on goods exported from the occupied territory to the United Kingdom under Inter-allied licences, but no specific case of such refusal has been brought to my notice. I am, however, having some further enquiries made on the subject.
Captain BENNSince the Noble Lord is in closest touch with Cologne, has he seen the sworn certificate of the Chamber of Commerce there that this reparation is denied?
§ Viscount WOLMERI have seen the statement of the Chamber of Commerce, but no specific case has yet been brought forward.
Captain BENNIs the Noble Lord aware that the German Government have definitely and officially announced that they will not make this reimbursement? Is not that sufficient for the Board of Trade?
§ Viscount WOLMERWe have not been officially informed by the German Government and specific cases have not been brought to our attention.