HC Deb 12 November 1947 vol 444 cc365-6
20 and 21. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) how many machines and processes are still to be removed from German factories for the purpose of Multilateral Deliveries; on what date the actual deliveries will be completed, and how many of the factories so concerned are not included amongst the 682 factories recently listed for dismantling as being surplus to requirements;

(2) how many factories in the British Zone of Germany have already been affected by the removal of machines and processes for Multilateral Deliveries; and how many such machines and processes were therein involved.

Mr. Bevin

The Multilateral Deliveries scheme did not involve processes but only individual items of machinery. Two thousand and sixty-six items have so far been removed; 1,894 further items have been requisitioned from the Germans and offered to the Inter-Allied Reparations Agency for allocation. It is not possible to say when removals will be completed. I am obtaining the information on the number of factories affected by these removals, and will communicate with my hon. Friend later.

Mr. Stokes

Does my right hon. Friend realise that this means that a large number of key machines have been removed from a large number of factories, and that when he makes an examination he will probably find that a far greater number of factories are being paralysed than the 682 enumerated?

Mr. Bevin

Nothing like the number of factories have been paralysed in Germany by this operation that were paralysed by Hitler in his war.

Mr. Stokes

Is my right hon. Friend aware that two wrongs do not make a right, and is he also aware that he has not the slightest chance of re-establishing the standard of living in Europe or in this country until he gets German economy going again?

Mr. Bevin

I quite appreciate that point, but, as I said in the Debate the other day, I am not going to ignore the claims of Allied countries who had their machinery either taken or destroyed, and I intend to give first priority to those people who suffered under Hitler.

Mr. Stokes

I wish to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.