§ 4. Mr. J. Hyndasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any agreement has been readied with the Western German Government, having regard to the recent development of German external trade, for the repayment of the £80 million per annum incurred by the United Kingdom for the provision of food and raw materials to the British Zone during the earlier years of the occupation.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerYes, Sir. An agreement was reached on 27th February, 1953, at the same time as the agreement on German external debts.
§ Mr. HyndCan the Minister circulate the provisions of that agreement? Is he aware that, in view of the concern expressed some time ago at the prospect of ever getting this money back, the agree- 1952 ment will be received with great satisfaction? Will he give it the maximum publicity?
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerThe agreement has been issued as White Paper No. 8782. It shows that of Her Majesty's Government's claims, amounting to about £200 million, the Federal Government will pay £150 million by 20 annual instalments. The first payment was due on 1st August, 1953, and has been made.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs not this a form of reparations? Is it not a fact that behind the façade of prosperity in Germany there are vast numbers of German workers underfed and underpaid? At a time when the Soviet Government are abolishing reparations, is it not a bad thing for the Western Powers to be insisting on them?
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerThat is another question.