§ 95. Mr. HARMSWORTHasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that during the period from May, 1922, to April, 1923, the cost of the British Army of Occupation on the Rhine was, so far as not met from marks obtained locally, met out of the proceeds of the German Reparation (Recovery) Act; if so, whether, since the reduction of the tax from 26 per cent. to 5 per cent. on German goods imported into this country, the Act still provides adequately towards the cost of that Army; and, if not, what is the estimated deficiency?
Mr. GRAHAMThe arrangement is not quite accurately described by the hon. Member, but had substantially the result to which he refers. In reply to the second part of the question, since the rate of the levy, under the German Reparation (Recovery) Act, was reduced from 26 per cent. to 5 per cent., the receipts have sufficed to cover our claim on account of the net cost of the British Army of Occupation, and, accordingly, the third part of the question does not arise.
§ 96. Sir F. WISEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the cost of the Army of Occupation since 1st April, 1924?
§ Major ATTLEEI have been asked to reply. The estimated cost of the British Army of the Rhine, from 1st April to 30th June, 1924, is £390,000, exclusive of accommodation and miscellaneous services provided free by Germany.
§ Sir F. WISEIs that the total cost paid by Germany?
§ Major ATTLEENo; it is, as I have said, exclusive of accommodation and miscellaneous services provided free by Germany.
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHIf that be the total cost of the Army of Occupation, is this a sum of money which has been received from Germany by way of the 5 per cent. duty under the German Reparation (Recovery) Act?