§ 32. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent the expressed views of the political parties and trade unions in the British zone of Germany in favour of the public ownership of the heavy industries of the Ruhr were taken into account in formulating the policy recently announced for their future control and management.
§ Mr. MayhewThe preamble of the new laws regarding the coal and steel industries included a statement that the final decision on ownership would be left to a freely elected German Government. This statement was specifically included in order to take account of the expressed views of the trade unions in favour of public ownership, and of the differing views of the political parties. In formulating this policy in all its aspects, the various views of the political parties and trade unions were fully taken into account.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeWhile I did not hear all of that reply, may I ask is my hon. Friend aware of the fact that the recently announced decision about the future of the Ruhr industries has been viewed with considerable dismay by a large number of the German people, and in view of that will he not put out a statement quite clearly explaining the apparent change of policy which has taken place so far as this country is concerned.
§ Mr. MayhewI am not aware of any just cause for dismay on the part of the German people in this regard. There is no change of policy, but rather a development of policy, and the final decision is for the German people themselves.
§ Major BeamishWhy should the German people be allowed to decide on the future ownership of the Ruhr steel industry when the British people are not able to decide on the future of their own industry?
§ Mr. MayhewBoth peoples have the right and opportunity to make their own choice, and one of them has already made the right choice.
§ Major BeamishThen let us have a General Election.
§ Mr. PiratinThe hon. and gallant Member will then lose his seat.