§ 8. Mr. Shinwellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his conversation with Herr von Brentano included a reference to the matter of German payments towards the cost of our forces while in Germany.
§ Mr. NuttingYes, Sir. But I cannot yet add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Emrys Hughes) on 7th May.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs not the position very unsatisfactory? Why should the British taxpayer be called upon to contribute in large measure to a service which is as much to the benefit of Germany as to anybody else? How long is this matter to drag on? Ought we not to consider whether it is really worth while maintaining our forces in Germany at the expense of the British taxpayer?
§ Mr. NuttingThe right hon. Member ought not to be so gloomy and to anticipate that the negotiations going on will result in the British taxpayer having to pay the cost of British forces in Germany. Negotiations are proceeding, and meanwhile interim arrangements have been made with the German Federal Government to continue support costs.