§ Dr. Kingasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what links his investigations have revealed between the Naumann group of neo-Nazis and British Fascist leaders.
§ Mrs. Castleasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what evidence has been revealed by the British investigations which led to the arrest of Werner Naumann that the new German Nazi movement is being partly financed from British sources.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydAs the House is aware, the case against Werner Naumann and his associates has now been transferred, at the request of Dr. Adenauer, to the German judicial authorities. It is therefore sub judice in Germany and it would be undesirable for me to make any statement on the information revealed by the British investigations, which has now been communicated to the German authorities for them to study.
§ Dr. KingIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that Herr Adenauer has himself publicly stated that the evidence which our Government handed over has revealed close financial help given by British Fascists, among others, to neo-Nazis? Since he took such excellent and resolute action in dealing with neo-Nazis in Germany, can the right hon. and learned Gentleman do something to deal with supporters and financiers of neo-Nazism in this country?
§ Mr. LloydI would certainly not dispute that as a general proposition, but I think that in the meantime the hon. Member had better wait for these judicial proceedings to take place in Germany and for matters to be given in evidence before further action is taken.
§ Mrs. CastleIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the Questions he is answering relate to the British end of the problem and not to the German end of the problem and that there is great concern in this country as a result of Herr Adenauer's revelations on this matter? Will the Minister put in the Library the details of the evidence on which Herr Adenauer made this statement?
§ Mr. LloydNo, I think it is much better for that evidence to be given in a court of law in Germany and we can see what it is. I can assure the hon. Lady that if action is needed to be taken in this country, it will be taken.
§ Mr. S. SilvermanI take it that the right hon. and learned Gentleman is not saying that this House is precluded, or any Minister of the Crown is precluded from discussing in the House of Commons, any matter merely because it is sub judice in a foreign court?