HC Deb 14 July 1948 vol 453 cc1168-9
9. Mr. Vane

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why Herr Kopf has resigned his appointment as Prime Minister of Land Niedersachen.

Mr. Mayhew

Herr Kopf is still the Minister President of Lower Saxony. He and his coalition Cabinet resigned on 11th March, owing to the failure of the coalition parties to reach agreement on the proposed land reform legislation. At the request of the regional commissioner, however, Herr Kopf remained in office as acting-Minister President, in order to form a new Cabinet. This he did on 9th June, since when he remains Minister President.

Mr. Vane

Would the hon. Gentleman confirm that Herr Kopf who, I believe, is a Socialist, has protested vehemently against the British Government's ideas of what the agricultural policy for Germany should be, particularly the interference with the present lay out of farms, which will mean a big drop in agricultural production?

Mr. Mayhew

Those are the allegations but they are not the view of my right hon. Friend.

Mr. Vane

They are the views of Herr Kopf.

Mr. Pickthorn

Could the House be informed by the laying of papers in the Library or otherwise what were the proposals here in dispute and what were Herr Kopf's objections to them?

Mr. Mayhew

Information has been laid in the Library about the Land Reform Ordinance. If further information can be given, I will certainly look into the matter.