§ 15. Mr. RAMSDENasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to an accident that recently took place at Hamburg, where a tank containing fluid for the manufacture of poison gas exploded; and whether, in view of the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, it is proposed to make representations to the German Government on the subject?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI have received no information in regard to the explosion in question save that which has appeared in the newspapers, and am not therefore in a position to say whether there are any grounds for representations to the German Government on the basis of the Treaty of Versailles.
§ Mr. RAMSDENMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman considers that the War Materials Act, 1927, is being carried out by the German Government, and will he invite the League of Nations to make an inquiry into this explosion?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINMy information at present is derived entirely from Press reports, and it would be premature for me to express an opinion as to the proper course His Majesty's Government should take. Whether they should make representations to the German Government or not; whether they should call the attention of the League of Nations to the matter or not, is a question to be decided when I am in possession of fuller information than I am at present.
§ Mr. DAYHas the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to inquire whether the Press reports are correct?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINYes, I am taking steps to get further information.
§ Mr. RAMSDENIf I put a question down later on, will the right hon. Gentleman reply to it?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINThat depends on when the hon. Member puts it down.
§ Mr. HARDIEIs it not the fact that this gas is one which is used in the ordinary manufacture of certain things?