HC Deb 25 June 1924 vol 175 cc430-2
51. Mr. T. JOHNSTON

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Committee of experts on finance, known as the Dawes Committee, while making recommendations as to the capacity of Germany to pay reparations, fails to explain any satisfactory way by which this country may expect reparation payments without serious injury to British industries and employment; and whether, having regard to the experience of Germany in accepting reparation goods after the Franco-Prussian War, the refusal of Japan to have her markets glutted with reparation goods after the Russo-Japanese War, and our own experience after the Treaty of Versailles, he will afford time for discussion of the economic effects of reparations before further instalments are received by this country?

Mr. CLYNES

My hon. Friend will have the usual opportunities for raising the very debatable points to which he refers. I cannot, however, undertake to provide special time for such a discussion.

Captain WEDGWOOD BENN

Does that mean that we are to rely on the Consolidated Fund Bill, or something of that kind, to discuss the Dawes Report? Could not the right hon. Gentleman give a special opportunity for discussion

Mr. CLYNES

I think that hon. Gentlemen below the Gangway have power to provide an opportunity.

Sir FREDRIC WISE

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the importance of the Dawes Report, and that, if the Dawes Report places Germany on a gold basis, it will be to the detriment of the pound sterling?

Mr. CLYNES

That is a different point from the one in the question; it is a matter for argument.

Mr. AYLES

Is it not the fact that, when the Prime Minister stated that he was going to put the whole of the weight of the Government behind implementing the Dawes Report and getting it accepted, it met with the general approval of this House, including specific assurances from the Leader of the Opposition?

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the part of the Dawes Report dealing with reparations is viewed with very great anxiety, particularly in the shipbuilding yards, in view of past experience of reparations; and, in view of this, will it not be better to provide a day for its discussion, in order that the unemployed workmen may put their point of view through their representatives?

Mr. JOHNSTON

How can it possibly be said that the Dawes Report was received in this House with general acceptance, seeing that no opportunity was ever given for discussing it?

Mr. SPEAKER

The Estimates are the proper place to discuss that question.