HC Deb 07 December 1949 vol 470 cc1851-2
10. Mr. Lipson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the maximum number of Germans allowed to be employed in the Civil Aviation Branch of the Control Commission; and what steps he has taken to ensure that the number will not be exceeded, and that the men will be employed only in the limited categories of work at present laid down.

11. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the nature of the duties upon which it is proposed to employ Germans under the Civil Aviation Branch of the Control Commission for Germany.

Mr. Mayhew

The employment of Germans in civil aviation in Western Germany is still under tripartite discussion. At the present time, up to 870 Germans are employed by the Civil Aviation Branch in the British zone on clerical or menial duties, or in connection with ground transport or the maintenance of buildings and other works. Approximately 130 are employed on duties peculiar to civil aviation, but none are employed on duties which involve flying or a knowledge of flying.

Mr. Lipson

Exactly what matters are still under discussion? Is the number to be increased, and has my hon. Friend any comparable figures for the numbers employed in the other zones?

Mr. Mayhew

I think it is to get a uniform procedure in all the zones that these talks are taking place. I understand that they are also concerned with exactly where we are to draw the line in this matter.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Arising out of the last answer, can the Under-Secretary say whether these discussions contemplate the employment of Germans on any duties directly connected with the operation of aircraft, and can he give an assurance that before such a step is taken this House will be consulted?

Mr. Mayhew

I can give an assurance that the duties will not involve flying or a knowledge of flying, but undoubtedly there will be certain jobs in connection with civil aviation which should be done by Germans and cannot be done by British citizens.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Would the Under-Secretary of State bear in mind that there are many hundreds of British people who have experience in connection with the operating of aircraft and who are unemployed at the moment? Would it not be far better to make use of these men and to delay giving any authority to the Germans until we can be absolutely certain that they are not going to make trouble?

Mr. Mayhew

No, Sir. It would be unwise to suggest that there are not many jobs on civil aviation airfields in connection with such things as the inventory of stores and matters of that kind which can be done by Germans.