27. Mr. Scott-Elliotasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the estimated expenditure on coal for the 913 use of the C.C.G. during 1948; and how much of this was in the form of gold dollars.
Mr. McNeilThere was no sterling or dollar expenditure on coal for the use of the Control Commission, since the necessary supplies were obtained on requisition from the Germans. The second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.
28. Mr. Scott-Elliotasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the cost in dollars of petrol used by the C.C.G. during the first six months of 1948; and what was the comparable figure for 1947.
Mr. McNeilFor the first six months of 1948 the approximate cost of petrol used by the Control Commission for Germany was £233,386. A comparable figure for the first six months of 1947 is not available. For the last six months of that year, however, it was £270,307. I regret that it is not possible to say precisely how much of this expenditure was in dollars.
Mr. McNeilMy noble Friend has been constantly in touch with this subject, and his figures disclose that there has been a reduction, which. I hope, may be sustained.
29. Mr. Scott-Elliotasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many of the C.C.G. administrative staff were employed in the Zeco area on 1st December last, and what was the comparable figure for 1947.
Mr. McNeilThe numbers employed in the Zeco area in administering the Control Commission were 1,297; and 1,446, respectively.
Mr. Scott-ElliotIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this area contains a large number of small houses and small offices which are very wasteful both in fuel and petrol owing to the fact that meetings have to be held in some central place, requiring officials to go there in cars in order to attend the meetings.