§ 47. Mr. Cocksasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to encourage the formation of trades union organisations in the British zone of Germany; and what progress has been made in this direction.
§ Mr. R. J. Taylor (Lord of the Treasury)I have been asked to reply.
§ Viscount HinchingbrookeWithout any reflection on the qualities of the hon. Member who is to reply, is the Prime Minister aware that the Chancellor of the Duchy was absent yesterday, as well as being absent today, and, in view of that, would it not be much better if the Prime Minister appointed a Cabinet Minister to reply to this important series of Questions, or arranged for Questions to the Chancellor of the Duchy to be put down on one day?
§ The Prime MinisterI understand that there is a rearrangement regarding Questions. My hon. Friend the Chancellor of 983 the Duchy has been answering Questions with great assiduity. His duties, of course, take him abroad, but I would welcome anything which was done to make.the burden of answering Questions a little less onerous.
§ Mr. TaylorThe reply to the Question is: Yes, Sir, that is our policy. 119 trade unions are already functioning in our Zone, and a further 159 are in the early stages of formation. Total membership now exceeds 700,000 and is increasing daily. Trade union representatives serve on the German Zonal Council which has been set up to advise the British authorities. They also participate in the work of German de-Nazification panels and committees.
§ Mr. StokesIn view of this admirable policy, will my hon. Friend ask the Chancellor to make quite sure that it is not frustrated in the districts by local dictators in the Military Government preventing trade unions from being formed?
§ Mr. TaylorCertainly, Sir.