§ 2. Mr. W. Shepherdasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the number of British and German nationals employed in the Control Commission at 1st May, 1946; and the number so employed at 1st December, 1946, or the most convenient date.
§ Mr. J. HyndThe numbers were 22,265 British on 1st May, 1946; 26,171 British and 50,545 Germans on 1st December, 1946. There is no record of the number of Germans employed on 1st May. The 2040 figure of British subjects for 1st December includes 2,400 engaged on services not performed by C.C.G. on 1st May.
§ Mr. ShepherdCan the hon. Gentleman say why these figures grow continually, in spite of promises that adequate reductions are to be made?
§ Mr. HyndThey do not grow continually, of course. The current establishment, as announced in the House, is 26,000. There are certain numbers to be added, making it up to 26,171, due entirely to the fact that we have taken over large services from B.A.O.R., including transport Forces, with an increase in the North German Timber Control, and the families' education schemes.
§ Major Legge-BourkeCan the hon. Gentleman divide the figure for the British into civilian and Service personnel?
§ Mr. PickthornWith regard to the Timber Control, can the hon. Gentleman tell us whether we are still trying to teach the Germans forestry?
§ Mr. HyndNo, not at all. The timber is being cut largely for export to this country, and, therefore, it is necessary that it should be under our control.
§ 3. Mr. Stokesasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what report he has received from the officials of Scotland Yard sent to Germany to investigate certain irregularities by members of the Control Commission; and when he proposes to publish the recommendations in that report.
§ Mr. J. HyndI have received two reports from the officials in question summarising the progress of their inquiries, which are not yet complete. The reports, which are confidential, cannot be published. If evidence of any criminal offence is disclosed suitable proceedings will be taken and reports will no doubt appear in the Press in the usual way. If there is no evidence on which charges can be founded it is obvious that reports of the investigations cannot be published
§ Mr. DribergCan my hon. Friend say how the answer he has just given fits in with his promise a few weeks ago to circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a report 2041 on the irregularities at two Control Commission clubs, at Detmold and Vinsebeck? Is that report coming soon?
§ Mr. HyndI am afraid I cannot add anything to the reply I have given, which refers to investigations which are not yet complete.
§ Mr. Sydney SilvermanCan my hon. Friend say whether the irregularities referred to in the Question and answer have anything to do with the procedure which caused a Supplementary Estimate for Lao million?
§ 10. Mr. Gammansasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he expects to be able to make a decision regarding the case of Mr. J. A. Thompson, 8, Granville Road, Stroud Green, N.4, who contracted tuberculosis whilst on duty for the Control Commission in Germany.
§ Mr. J. HyndI have asked for full reports, including a medical report, on this case, to ascertain whether Mr. Thompson's disease is attributable to his service in Germany. Once these reports are received an early decision should be possible
§ Mr. GammansIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this matter has been going on now for a matte: of weeks, and that it is three weeks ago that I wrote to him, and that I have been unable to get any satisfaction in regard to this outrageous treatment of the man?
§ Mr. HyndI think the hon. Member is aware of the position so far as we have ascertained it, and the dates on which this member of the Commission staff contracted this disease. But, obviously, I think the establishment of the fact that a disease like tuberculosis did arise from service in the conditions in Germany is a difficult proposition
§ Mr. GammansIs the hon. Gentleman aware that I myself have seen certificates from his own doctors in which they admit that this man contracted this disease in the execution of his duties? Is it not outrageous that this man should be kept in hospital, destitute, while the Department carries out investigations which ought to have been carried out weeks ago?
§ 11. Mr. Martin Lindsayasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many members of the Control Commission have been dismissed for misbehaviour; and whether he has any statement to make upon the disciplinary steps which he has taken.
§ Mr. J. HyndThe number is 217, most of the cases being in respect of offences against the rules of official conduct. All cases of reported misbehaviour are carefully investigated, and disciplinary action taken where necessary. As indicated in the first part of my answer, we have no hesitation in dismissing proved offenders.
§ Mr. LindsayIs the hon. Gentleman satisfied that there has recently been great improvement in the standard?
15. Mr. Vaneasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many of the Control Commission staff are under seven, six, five, four, three, two or one year contracts of service, respectively.
§ Mr. J. HyndThere are 1991 temporary civilian engagements to 30th September, 1952, 1590 to 30th September, 1950, and 3637 to 30th September, 1948. Staff whose contracts do not extend beyond 30th September, 1948, and established civil servants on loan number 14053.