HC Deb 29 May 1924 vol 174 cc591-2
52. Mr. MOREL

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what sums are still due by Germany to this country under the head of reparation payments other than comprised in pensions and allowances?

Mr. GRAHAM

The Reparation Commission did not assess individual items in the Allied Powers' Reparation claims on Germany, and it is impossible to allo- cate the obligations of Germany to particular heads. The total British Empire share of Germany's reparation obligation is 22 per cent. of £6,600 millions spread over a long period of years. The amount so far received is approximately £15 millions.

Mr. H. H. SPENCER

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us whether the Germans have paid any reparations towards the British subjects whose property was totally destroyed in the war area?

Mr. GRAHAM

On questions of that kind I cannot make a statement at the moment. I should be obliged if the hon. Member would put a question on the Paper.

Captain BENN

Can the hon. Gentleman say, roughly, what the British charge for pensions is, compared with other charges? Is it not a fact that M. Poincaré has made such an allocation for the French?

Mr. GRAHAM

I am not familiar with statements made elsewhere. All I can say is that the particular heads are not made out in that way, and I cannot give any information on the spur of the moment which would be worth anything.