§ 53. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the total expenditure he has sanctioned for repairs to oil-from-coal plants in Germany which have been now scheduled for destruction.
Mr. McNeilI am unable to confirm the reports circulated by the German firms concerned as to the amounts which they claim to have expended on their own responsibility. The specific expenditure in question was not sanctioned by Military Government which, at the request of the Land Government, merely authorised the grant of a licence for repair work.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs the Minister aware that I was told by the president of the miners' union in the Ruhr that 17 million marks had been sanctioned for this purpose? Is he aware that this view is very generally held in the Ruhr, and is there some foundation for it?
Mr. McNeilI am aware that it is quite genuinely held, but I am also firmly aware, and have evidence, that the view and the figures are being circulated by the German firms affected.