§ 47. Mr. Crossmanasked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make about the Ministerial responsibility 1161 for the affairs of the British elements of the Control Commissions for Germany and Austria.
§ The Prime MinisterHis Majesty's Government have decided to establish a separate Office to handle the affairs of the British elements of the Control Commissions for Germany and Austria. My hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will assume Ministerial responsibility for the new Office, subject to the ultimate responsibility to Parliament being retained by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War. The duties of the Permanent Secretary, to be appointed to the new Department, will include those of Accounting Officer for the expenditure of the British elements of the two Control Commissions. This appointment will be held by Sir Arthur Street, who will be seconded from his post as Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Air.
The Office will have a section in London which will be responsible for maintaining the necessary contacts with other Government Departments. The new Office will assume responsibility for the work of the British elements of the Control Commissions on 22nd October next, on which date those branches of the Civil Affairs Division of the War Office which deal with Germany and Austria, together with the German Economic Department of the Foreign Office, will be transferred to it.
§ Mr. Kenneth LindsayShould Questions relating to the control of Germany be addressed to the Secretary of State for War or the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster?
§ The Prime MinisterTo the Chancellor of the Duchy.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartWill the right hon. Gentleman explain exactly what will be the relation between this new Ministry or Office and the War Office?
§ The Prime MinisterPerhaps the hon. Member will study the answer I have given, and then if he finds any difficulty perhaps he will see me about it. I thought it was quite plain.