HC Deb 03 April 1946 vol 421 cc1220-1
2. Mr. Marples

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to say if he has approached the Swiss Government regarding the possibility of taking over, on account of reparations from Germany, the Deutsche Heilstatte at Wolfgang and the Deutsche Krieser Kurhaus at Davo Dorf, which were two tuberculosis sanatoria owned by the German Government.

Mr. Bevin

Negotiations regarding the disposal of German assets in Switzerland and other neutral countries are still in progress, and the United Kingdom is only one of the Powers concerned.

Mr. Marples

While appreciating the attitude of the Swiss Government, which has been extremely helpful, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman to bear in mind that at the moment in these two sanatoria a considerable number of Nazis are being treated for tuberculosis, and would it not be better if our own people were given a chance to go there?

Mr. Bevin

It is very difficult to turn people out of hospitals, but I am willing to look into the matter to see whether beds can be released for our own people.

Mr. Marples

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some six weeks ago he said he would look into this matter?