HC Deb 16 November 1925 vol 188 cc22-3
38. Sir FREDRIC WISE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total amount, since 1st April, 1925, paid by Germany for Reparations; and what amount Great Britain has received?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The total amounts received during the seven months from 1st April, 1925, by the Agent-General for Reparation Payments in respect of the Dawes annuities (which cover all Allied claims against Germany arising out of the Peace Treaty, whether for reparations of otherwise) was 575,006,857 gold marks (£28,750,000). Of this, the total net amount paid by the Agent-General to or for the account of the British Empire was 95,919,201 gold marks (£4,796,000). Out of this amount about £3,000,000 represents receipts by the United Kingdom on account of reparation, the balance representing receipts on account of the Army of Occupation and Belgian war debt.

Sir F. WISE

Could the right hon. Gentleman state what the expenses were in regard to collecting this money?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I should require notice of that question.

Mr. MACLEAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman quite satisfied now that the statements he made in Dundee at the election in 1918 were absolutely false as to the amount that would be obtained from reparation?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The statements which I made in Dundee at that election have been singularly vindicated by the facts. The figure which I took it we should press for was £2,000,000,000 sterling.

Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKE

What proportion, if any, of this money has been set aside to compensate the seamen for their sufferings in the War?