§ 51. Mr. W. J. Brownasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that barter trading takes place between the staff of the Control Commission in Germany and German people; and whether he will take steps to put an end to this.
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. John Hynd)All possible steps are taken, and will continue to be taken, to prevent illegal trading between the staff of the Control Commission and the German people.
§ Mr. BrownIs the Minister aware that in spite of all those possible steps being taken the degree of this barter trading is very considerable, and will he think out some supplementary steps to stop it?
§ Mr. HyndThe situation is well in mind, and the attention of the authorities of the Control Commission has been drawn to the importance of dealing with this matter. The few cases which have come to light have been very thoroughly dealt with.
§ Mr. WalkdenDoes not my right hon. Friend receive reports, like ordinary Members receive them? Is he aware that tea coffee and cigarettes are now used by high ranking officers in the Allied Control Commission as barter, to pay for meals?
§ Mr. HyndWhere any information of a firm kind is received in these cases, the necessary steps are taken to deal with them through dismissal, prosecution, and the usual disciplinary methods in the case of the Armed Forces.