§ 13. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the present position in respect of differences between the Western Allies and the German Government over the Krupp industrial concerns.
§ 3 and 15. Mr. E. Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) what provisions Her Majesty's Government are making under the Occupation Statute for Germany for dealing with the large sums that will otherwise be paid to Herr Krupp in respect of his iron, steel and coal assets in the Ruhr;
(2) whether agreement has yet been reached with Dr. Adenauer on effective steps to prevent Herr Alfred Krupp from ever investing or engaging in future in coal or iron and steel industries.
§ Mr. EdenDiscussions have taken place between the three High Commissioners and the German Federal Chancellor. I hope that an agreed solution may soon be reached, but I am not yet in a position to give details, as the proposals of the High Commission are still under consideration in Germany.
§ Mr. SorensenMay we take it, meanwhile, that the right hon. Gentleman will see that Herr Krupp does not get the opportunity to rebuild his previous very menacing cartel?
§ Mr. EdenI explained to the House at considerable length, earlier, exactly what the position was. I told the House what I would seek to do, and I am still seeking to do it; and I hope we can arrive at a satisfactory conclusion. As I said, I cannot give any specific undertaking, but I shall do the utmost I can to seek the result the hon. Gentleman wants.