51. Captain BENNasked the Prime Minister whether he has any information as to the effect of the reparation demands of the Allies on wages and conditions of labour in Germany; and whether the German Government is free to grant subsidies to industries competing with British products?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not think it would be possible at the present stage to estimate the effect of reparation payments on wages and conditions of labour. The German Government is free to grant subsidies to industries in the same way as any other Government, so long as the consequent burden on her budget does not interfere with the execution of her reparation obligations under the Dawes Plan.
Captain BENNHas the Prime Minister any information showing whether the German Government gave subsidies to the shipbuilders who recently took orders of ours?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have no information at present. Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put down any question of that nature to the Board of Trade.
§ The PRIME MINISTERWell, I have no information at present. I am making inquiries.