HC Deb 05 May 1924 vol 173 cc10-1
21. Captain W. BENN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is willing to grant a return, to the latest convenient date, showing, separately, the total payments made by Germany on account of reparation, restitution, armies of occupation, clearing house operations, commissions of control, and any other special payments, including those under Articles 58, 124 and 125 of the treaty?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Graham)

I have been asked to reply. I agree that a return in this form would be valuable, but His Majesty's Government is not in possession of the full information required to compile it. I am, however, taking steps to inquire whether the Reparation Commission, which, though not directly concerned with the payments under certain of the heads named has close relations with all the Allied Governments, could see its way to undertake the preparation and publication of a statement on these lines.

Colonel GRETTON

If information is not available in regard to all nations concerned, will the Financial Secretary give an answer so far as it affects this country?

Mr. GRAHAM

It is a little difficult to say offhand, but if the House will await the steps we are going to take, I think very full information will be forthcoming.

Mr. A. M. SAMUEL

Will the right hon. Gentleman give attention to Article 297?