§ 47. Mr. Boothbyasked the Prime Minister whether in view of the continued deterioration of the position in Germany he will reconsider his decision not to appoint a Resident Minister, with Cabinet rank, for the British zone.
§ The Prime MinisterI have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on 15th October last.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeWill the Prime Minister bear in mind that while, generally speaking, it is true that those on the touch line see more of the ball than those in the scrum, it might be a good idea to have a junior Minister resident in the British zone of Germany?
§ Mr. EdenMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will not bear in mind— as nobody can better than he—how very valuable we found these Ministers overseas during the war period? Will he also bear in mind the anxiety in many parts of the House about what is going on in Germany? Can he not give us an answer one way or the other in the near future?
§ The Prime MinisterI am giving very close personal attention to the question of, what is the best arrangement in Germany. The conditions are not altogether on all fours with those which were met by the appointment of Resident Ministers overseas during the war, but I will make a further statement as soon as I can.
§ Mr. BoothbyCan we take it from that supplementary answer of the Prime Minister that he has not altogether closed his mind to the possibility of appointing a Resident Minister in Germany?
§ The Prime MinisterI certainly do not close my mind, but there are very great difficulties.