HC Deb 30 April 1947 vol 436 cc1924-5
11. Mr. Bramall

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why, in the latest questionnaire for denazification purposes, Germans in the British zone are asked how they voted in 1932.

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Ernest Bevin)

There has been no change in the questionnaire used for denazification; the question to which my hon. Friend refers is designed to discover whether the German concerned had Nazi sympathies at a time when it was still possible in Germany to indicate one's political preferences under conditions of relative freedom and secrecy.

Mr. Bramall

Does my right hon. Friend think it is a good guarantee to the Germans that they should support a democratic system when they have no guarantee that in a few year's' time they may not be asked how they voted in 1946?

Mr. Bevin

I agree, and I think that this matter wants looking into.

Mr. Vane

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what effective check he has to prove whether the replies to this question are correct or not?

Mr. Bevin

I have said that this matter needs looking into afresh.