HC Deb 18 April 1956 vol 551 cc995-6
42. Mr. V. Yates

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action he proposes to take regarding the refusal of the West German Government to contribute towards the cost of British forces stationed in Germany; and if Her Majesty's Government will now review the Paris Agreement requiring this country to maintain such forces for 44 years.

Mr. Nutting

Negotiations on the question of the German contribution are still in progress in Bonn, and I cannot, therefore, make any statement at the present moment.

Mr. Yates

Does not the Minister recollect that this House was not under the impression at the time the Paris Agreements were signed that the full burden of the cost of maintaining British troops there would fall upon the British taxpayer? Therefore, is there not a case for reviewing the Paris Agreements in the light of the very unsatisfactory situation which has developed?

Mr. Nutting

The purpose of the negotiations which are now being conducted is to ensure that the burden shall not fall upon the British taxpayer. I have nothing more to add to the Answer which I have given.

Mr. Stokes

May I ask the Minister whether it is not a fact that the Germans have a reserve fund of about £350 million built up as a result of the costs of occupation being less than expected? Will he bear in mind, in making representations, that there is this nest egg which could be used for the purpose of maintaining the British Army in Germany for quite a considerable time?

Mr. Nutting

I will also bear in mind the obligations to which Germany subscribed in the Paris Agreements.