HC Deb 19 May 1947 vol 437 cc1987-8
24. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the difficuIty, and frequently the impossibility, of German people in the British zone securing needles and cotton and similar articles for mending clothes, he will take steps to secure a supply of these.

Mr. Mayhew

The provision of these articles is the responsibility of the German authorities, who through German executive committees, can bring their import requirements to the notice of the joint Export-Import Agency for the combined zones. So far no demands for imported supplies of these goods have come forward from the Agency.

Mr. Sorensen

Is my hon. Friend aware that the absence of these things imposes an extra hardship on the German people? Do I understand that no proposals have been made to facilitate the importation of these commodities not now made in Germany?

Mr. Mayhew

No proposals have been made.