53. Sir F. HALLasked the Prime Minister if he will undertake that any proposal to modify the arrangements now in force with regard to reparation payments by Germany to Great Britain which would have the effect of increasing the financial burdens of this country, shall be submitted to Parliament for approval before any commitments are entered into in the matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Leader of the Opposition is putting to me by Private Notice a question on this subject with reference to President Hoover's recent declaration, so perhaps the hon. and gallant Member will be good enough to await the reply to that question.
Sir F. HALLYes, I will; but on a point of Order, is it not the regular established practice of this House that when a question appears on the Paper it takes precedence even of a Private Notice question.
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is so, but the main answer must be given to the Leader of the Opposition as he raises the general matter. If the hon. and gallant Member will put anything that may arise in his mind as the result of the answer as a supplementary question, I shall be glad to answer it.
§ Mr. STANLEY BALDWIN(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he can state the attitude of His Majesty's Government to the declaration of President Hoover which was made on Saturday last?
§ The PRIME MINISTERHis Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom cordially welcome the striking declaration made by President Hoover. For their part, they desire at once to state that they subscribe whole-heartedly to the principle of the President's proposal and are prepared to co-operate in the elaboration of details with a view to giving it practical effect without delay. The House will not expect me to say more at the present stage.
§ Mr. BALDWINOn behalf of those who sit with me, I desire to associate myself fully with the words of the Prime Minister.
Mr. LLOYD GEORGEMay I also associate hon. Members on these benches with the statement of the Prime Minister?