§ 61. Mr. John Hyndasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement concerning the recent disturbances at Salzgitter.
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesThe disorders which occurred on the 6th and 7th March at the Hermann Goering Works at Salzgitter were directed against the demolition of the foundations of a coking plant which had previously been dismantled and removed.
The question of demilitarisation measures at Salzgitter has been under consideration for some time. For the past three months the German authorities have been urged to submit plans for the future use of the buildings of the works and for the elimination of certain obnoxious structural features. No such plans having been received, on 27th February the Land Commissioner communicated to the Land Government his detailed decisions for disarmament measures. On 1st March the Land Government protested that its plans for providing employment in the area were based on the use of the buildings listed for destruction, and at the same time submitted its first outline of a plan. The matter was discussed on the following day between the Land Commissioner and the German Minister President, and the Land Commissioner granted the Germans a further period in order to submit plans for demilitarisation. At the same time it was agreed that the demolition of the coking plant foundations should proceed since it would not affect the proposals for the future utilisation of the buildings.
In spite of this, demonstrations and disturbances occurred, but with the protection of British troops demolitions were commenced on 7th March and have been proceeding normally since. There has been no further resistance, the situation is quiet, and the troops have been withdrawn from the site. The Government of Lower Saxony has expressed its deep regrets at the events of last week and its intention of taking disciplinary measures against those responsible.
§ Mr. HyndIf, as the Minister says, the situation is now quiet, it is not quiet in other parts. Disturbances are occurring in Hamburg and elsewhere. Can we 1556 look to an early cessation of this destruction?
§ Mr. DaviesThis Question applies only to Salzgitter and in this case the demolitions which had taken place were essential to eliminate the German war potential.
§ Mr. Fenner BrockwayAre the Government now prepared to reconsider their whole policy on demolition in Germany and, in particular, the demolition of buildings?