HC Deb 28 June 1948 vol 452 cc1816-7
22. Mr. Philips Price

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement about the introduction of a currency system for the four sectors of Berlin.

Mr. Mayhew

I have nothing to add to the statement made on 25th June.

Mr. Philips Price

Has a reply been received about the proposal to control the currency from the four zones in Berlin?

Mr. Mayhew

I am not quite clear what my hon. Friend means, but I would rather not add to the statement at the present time.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

In view of what the Minister said over the week-end, to the effect that the Soviet mark would be acceptable for the whole of Berlin if it was under quadripartite agreement, can the hon. Gentleman say whether that position has been made clear to the Soviet Government?

Mr. Mayhew

I think that position has been made clear but there is to be a Debate on Wednesday.

Mr. Bramall

Could my hon. Friend confirm what was said by the Foreign Secretary in his statement on Friday that the currency introduced in the Western sector is apparently distinguished from the currency of the Western zone, that is to say it is a third currency, neither Russian nor Western zone currency, but some third currency?

Mr. Mayhew

I have no reason to doubt that what my right hon. Friend said is the case.