§ 72. Mr. Cocksasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the administrative and trading difficulties due to the existence of zonal barriers in Germany, he will approach the Governments of France and the U.S.A. with a view to pursuing a united trade and industrial policy in the three western zone.
The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. McNeil)Some progress has been made in establishing inter-zonal contact in trade and other matters. 1611 His Majesty's Government are strongly in favour of increasing the flow of inter-zonal trade, not only between the three Western zones but also between all four zones, and in general of treating Germany as an economic whole in accordance with the Potsdam Agreement. Close contact in regard to these questions is continually maintained between the British authorities in Germany and those of the other three occupying Powers, and a reference to the treatment of Germany as an economic unit was made in the course of the recent meeting of Foreign Ministers at Paris. His Majesty's Government are actively considering what further steps can be taken.
§ Mr. CocksOwing to these zonal barriers, is it not a fact that the level of industrial life, and of all other life, is falling rapidly, and is causing a considerable increase in the burden on the British taxpayer? Will the Minister consider the possibility of getting unity in three zones if he cannot get unity in all four?