HC Deb 05 July 1954 vol 529 cc1759-60
1. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what agreement has been reached with the West German Government on the subject of occupation costs after 1st July last, when the present arrangements expired.

The Minister of State (Mr. Selwyn Lloyd)

Discussions between the allied authorities and the Federal Government about the arrangements for occupation costs after 1st July, 1954, are now taking place. I regret that I cannot yet tell the hon. and gallant Member any more.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman give an assurance that the belated completion of this arrangement has not been held up by the truculent ultimatum of the German Chancellor last Friday?

Mr. Lloyd

The position of Her Majesty's Government is fully preserved in the meantime.