HC Deb 14 July 1948 vol 453 c1172
16. Mr. Scott-Elliot

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many Berlin workers have been thrown out of employment as a result of the cutting off of electrical current by the U.S.S.R. from the three Western Sectors.

Mr. Mayhew

I regret that it is not possible to give any satisfactory estimate, since firms suffering from electricity cuts and shortages of raw materials have encouraged their workers to take any paid holidays which are due to them.

Mr. Scott-Elliot

Will my hon. Friend go further than he gone so far, further than merely saying that we intend to remain in Berlin and say that we intend to see that the people of Berlin are supplied with the food, the fuel and the materials which are required for their health and employment?

Mr. Blackburn

May I, in reinforcing what my hon. Friend has just said, ask the Minister whether, in view of the obviously worsening situation in Berlin and yesterday's statement by the Secretary of State for Air that we cannot supply Berlin by air, he will try to get the Foreign Secretary to make an early statement in order to clear up doubts on this matter?

Mr. Mayhew

I do not accept all the implications of those two supplementary questions, but I will certainly ask my right hon. Friend to consider that.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

In view of the tremendous concern displayed about the civilian population of Berlin, will the Minister give a definite undertaking that this country will never bomb Berlin again?