§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects a report from the special committee appointed to examine into the question of German reparation payments; and whether any proposed settlement will be submitted to Parliament before being finally approved by His Majesty's Government?
Mr. SAMUELMy right hon. Friend is not in a position to forecast the date at which the Committee of Experts will make its report. In reply to the second part of the question, I would refer to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 14th November.
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§ Mr. RENNIE SMITHasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in connection with the reparation negotiations, he is taking account of the consequences which a settlement which made worse the standard of life of the workers of Germany would have on the British standard of life and British employment; and if he can indicate any limiting conditions to the House by which he proposes to be guided?
Mr. SAMUELWhen the Report of the Committee of Experts considering proposals for a final settlement of the reparation problem has been received by the Governments concerned, it will be considered by His Majesty's Government in the light of all relevant considerations. In the meantime my right hon. Friend must not be taken as agreeing with the view that the payment of reparations by Germany on a scale commensurate with her capacity of payment will have any adverse effect on the standard of life and employment in this country.