§ Colonel WEDGWOOD (by Private Notice)asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any information from the Reparations Commission to give the House; and why the Commission is making recommendations as to the Spa percentages?
Mr. SAMUELIf the right hon. Gentleman will repeat his question to-morrow my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will consider in the meantime whether he will be in a position to make a statement on the matter.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODMay I ask why, in the absence of the Chancellor of the 2190 Exchequer, this matter is not being dealt with by the Treasury; whether the Committee is not sitting in Paris at the present moment; whether the terms of reference read out in this House for this Committee did not include within the powers of the Committee any dealings with the Spa percentages; and whether our representatives on that Committee are without information and without instructions at this very critical moment?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe right hon. and gallant Gentleman had better wait for the Minister's reply.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODOn a point of Order. We cannot wait. If we wait until to-morrow this country may be committed to another gift to the French people by the Government? Why is the Chancellor of the Exchequer not in his place to deal with these questions? May I press the Financial Secretary for an answer?
Mr. SAMUELThe answer is quite simple. The right hon. and gallant Gentleman's question did not reach the Treasury until a few minutes after one o'clock to-day, and it was physically impossible to provide the answer in the time available.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODHow can it be impossible when the matter is being discussed now in Paris?