HC Deb 19 February 1947 vol 433 c1149
17. Mr. Stokes

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps he proposes to take to nationalise those industries in Germany whose decartelisation has been announced; and whether, in the process of decartelisation, care will be exercised to avoid financial control being obtained by non-German interests.

Mr. J. Hynd

With regard to the first part of the Question I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Bexley (Major Bramall) on 4th December and 29th January. With regard to the second part of the Question, the extent to which non-German interests can participate in these industries will depend upon developments in the policy for allowing foreign investment in German industry generally. The present policy is not to permit such investment.

Mr. Stokes

Is my hon. Friend aware that a large number of people responsible for the economic planning of Germany are seriously concerned about what will happen as a result of this policy, and will he take steps to clarify it?