§ 13. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how much scrap in the British zone of Germany has been sold to French firms, how much of this is then re-sold to this country, what percentage of scrap at Langenhagen has been sold, and to what extent the disposal of scrap is being held up because of shortage of lifting equipment.
The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Ernest Sevin)No scrap from the British zone has been sold to French firms, and none, therefore, has been re-sold to this country. None of the scrap in the Langenhagen dump has yet been sold. Shortage of lifting gear is one of the factors delaying the disposal of scrap. The British Authorities are providing scrap dealers with all possible assistance to overcome this.
§ Mr. SorensenMay I ask whether, in view of the fact that this scrap would be extremely useful in the British zone of 950 Germany or in this country, something can be done to expedite the provision of lifting gear so that this chimp may be reduced?
§ Mr. BevinYes, Sir. That matter is being dealt with at the present moment. We have sent a special commission out there. Steps are being taken to deal with the matter.
§ Mr. GallacherMay I ask whether Protocol "M" is included among the scrap?
§ Colonel J. R. H. HutchisonCan the right hon. Gentleman say how much scrap is being moved from Germany to this country now?
§ Mr. M. Philips PriceAre the German authorities causing difficulties in connection with the collection of scrap?
§ Mr. BevinNo, Sir. There is the whole question of currency, lifting gear, transport and all sorts of problems. The Ministry of Supply have been asked by us to look into it. Steps are being taken to deal with it.