15. Mr. P. Reidasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made by the deputies of the Foreign Ministers in arriving at a decision about the lawful ownership of the 200 odd Austrian factories taken over by the Soviet authorities.
§ Mr. MayhewThe Austrian treaty Commission has now begun a survey of the Austrian oil industry, and will also consider the position of other important assets in Austria. Progress has undoubtedly been slow, but a large volume of data has already been produced by the experts, in consultation with the Austrian Government, which will, I trust, be useful in determining the legal ownership of the assets in question.
§ Mr. PickthornCan we be told it the legal principles of ownership that are being applied in this case, under this Question, are the same as are being applied to the question of land ownership in the British zone?
§ Mr. MayhewLand ownership in the British zone of Germany is a different question.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyCan the hon. Gentleman say if the machinery is still in these factories, or if it has been taken away?
§ Mr. MayhewI could not give an exact answer without notice. I understand it is still there.