§ 47. Mr. M. Philips Priceasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether any steps have been taken, or are contemplated, to increase the holdings of peasants in the British zone of occupied Germany at the expense of large estates.
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. John Hynd)In pursuance of our policy of fostering the revival of the democratic spirit in Germany, we are examining this question in consultation with representative anti-Nazi elements of the German population through a subcommittee of the German Zonal Advisory Council on which the German political parties and trades unions are represented. It is not, however, our intention that any steps should be taken which would impair the efficiency of food production, even temporarily, at the present time.
§ Mr. PriceWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that extensive and varied reforms are now being carried out in the Russian zone of Germany?
§ Colonel ClarkeWould not an increase in peasant holdings mean an increase in subsistence cultivation with a consequent decrease in the amount of food available for the towns?
§ Mr. HyndI do not know what is meant by the first part—an increase in holdings. Is that in the number of holdings or the size of the holdings? If it is a question of the size—
§ Colonel ClarkeAn increase in the number of holdings as against big estates.
§ Mr. HyndThat would mean an increased demand for agricultural implements, haulage animals and so on, and probably reduce the amount of bulk goods produced to the advantage of green vegetables.