§ 7. Mr. Pickthornasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, what plans there are for the redistribution of agricultural land in the British zone of Germany; and whether productivity in the near future is the decisive object of such plans.
§ Mr. J. HyndPlans are under consideration for further steps in agrarian reform in the British zone, including the redistribution of agricultural land. An announcement will be made shortly. A primary consideration will be the maintenance of the maximum food production in the zone.
§ Mr. PickthornBy "maintenance of the maximum food production" does the hon. Gentleman mean that the maximum has already been reached? When he says "primary consideration," does he mean that that is to be the decisive factor? Thirdly, can he tell us on what principle or practice of international law 2044 we are entitled to alter these arrangements except for immediate practical use?
§ Mr. HyndIn reply to the last part of the supplementary question, we are part of the Government of Germany at the moment, and we have the necessary authority and the necessary civil status to impose such conditions as these, if we consider them necessary in the interests of security.
§ Mr. PickthornSecurity?
§ Mr. HyndIn regard to the maintenance of production, that is related to the resources available—fertiliser seed, and so on—and it is our intention to maintain it.
§ Mr. PickthornCan the hon. Gentleman tell us, if land redistribution is carried cut in the interests of security, what is the definition of security?
§ Mr. HyndNo, Sir. I did not say land distribution is necessarily carried out for security. Agrarian reform steps are now being examined in regard to Germany which cover some land redistribution, and which take into account the interests of security.
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonIs there any possible democratic basis for that?