HC Deb 05 June 1945 vol 411 cc681-2
47. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Prime Minister the broad policy that is to be carried out by the Control Commission for German industry; who are the British members and the concerns with which they are or were associated; what consultations have been held with employers' organisations or trade associations in this country; if plans are being considered about the relationship between British and German industry and about the selection of industrialists to visit Germany; and whether German undertakings could be utilised as sub-contractors to British concerns.

The Prime Minister

All this will be looked into very carefully, but not to-day. The Economic Division, which will be part of the British element of the Commission concerned with industry, is at work upon the whole subject.

Mr. Smith

But is the Prime Minister aware that already consultations are taking place with the employers' associations in this country, and that I have a circular in my hand proving that they have been in consultation with the Control Commission? Will the Prime Minister give an undertaking that no private profit will be allowed to be made out of any transactions carried out by the Control Commission? Will he, further, give an assurance that no British concern will be allowed to use German firms as subcontractors?

The Prime Minister

I could not possibly give an instructive answer to the House on all those very complicated questions. I am sure we all agree that no profit should ever be made by any British person out of any such matter. I can take that as a starting point but I cannot guarantee that a loss must be made.

Mr. Smith

What is the explanation of these consultations that have been taking place?

Hon. Members

What consultations?

Mr. Smith

The consultations between the Employers' Association, the British Engineers' Association, and the British element of the Control Commission. Can we be given an assurance that nothing of the character raised in the question will be carried out without consulting Parliament?

The Prime Minister

I began my answer by saying that all this will be looked into very carefully, and I should be glad if my hon. opponent will kindly send me the paper he mentions, and I will have it sent to the proper authority. Of course, there is vast confusion reigning over the whole of Germany at the present time. It can only be steadied up reasonably, but I agree that the matters touched upon here by the hon. Gentleman require to be defined in terms of principle.

Mr. A. Bevan

Have His Majesty's Government reached any directives to the Control Commission on these matters because, on this side of the House, some of us have seen some of these, at least provisional directives; and when is the House to be told what they are?

The Prime Minister

We have been stricken recently by the departure of many of our friends with whom we were studying these matters in concert, but I certainty see the need for a directive on these matters.

Mr. Ernest Bevin

May I ask my right hon. Friend whether his last remark is a suggestion that his late colleagues who have left his Government have shown private papers to persons outside the Government?

The Prime Minister

I cannot conceive, even by the most energetic exercise of my imagination, how any such train of thought could have arisen in my right hon. Friend's mind.