HC Deb 06 July 1949 vol 466 cc2122-3
14. Mr. Piratin

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in accordance with paragraph (d) of Article 5 of the Bizonal Fusion Agreement of 17th December, 1947, the British voting strength is equal to the American on the Joint Export-Import Board.

Mr. Bevin

No, Sir. Under Article 5, paragraph (d) of the Revised Fusion Agreement the voting strength of the national groups represented on the Board of the Joint Export-Import Agency is proportionate to the financial contributions made by their respective Governments to the German economy.

Mr. Piratin

Does the Foreign Secretary recall that on 28th March he or one of his colleagues gave me the answer that we and the United States Government each contributed £15½ million to this body? As our contributions are equal why are our votes not equal?

Mr. Bevin

I do not think that our contributions are equal now.

Mr. Piratin

The answer I received was that they were equal. If the amounts subscribed were equal, why are the votes not equal?

Mr. Bevin

I assure the hon. Member that they are not equal now.

15. Mr. Piratin

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the balance sheet of the Joint Export-Import Agency has been published; and if he will make it available to hon. Members.

Mr. Bevin

The accounts of the Agency for the years 1947 and 1948 will be published shortly. Publication in this country will be in the form of a White Paper.