§ 52. Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the adverse effect on the British coal industry of the delivery of reparation coal under the provisions of the Versailles Treaty, he will instruct the British representatives on the Committee of Experts meeting in Paris at the end of the month to discuss and frame proposals for the definite settlement of the reparation problem to press for a change in the conditions now governing reparation coal?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLMy hon. Friend may be assured that the British members of the Committee of Experts are aware of the position. I should, however, remind him that they are independent experts, and are not appointed en the basis of receiving instructions from me.
Captain ARTHUR EVANSWill the right hon. Gentleman make representations to this independent Committee, in view of the very grave state of the coal trade in the country at the present time?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI think that you must trust these highly competent gentlemen who have undertaken this duty to have all the matters which are relevant to their task kept continuously in their view.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEDo I understand that no consultation between the Government and these representatives took place?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNaturally, they were aware of their business before they were appointed.
§ Mr. MACLEANAre we to take it that this Committee of Experts will report to this House before anything is done, or is the decision of these experts to be put into operation without any consideration by Members of this House?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir. His Majesty's Government are responsible for whatever is done. No decision can be taken apart from His Majesty's Government. As to whatever is done, the Expert Committee recommends, but the decision is taken by His Majesty's Government, and all constitutional forms will be properly observed.
§ Mr. MARDY JONESDo the Government realise that this reparation coal is very damaging to the British coal trade?