§ 43. Mr. Fernyhoughasked the Secretary of State for War what steps he is taking to make available alternative accommodation for British troops and their wives and families in Germany who may be homeless after 6th May as a result of the recent decision of the Bundesrat not to extend requisitioning.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for War (Mr. Fitzroy Maclean)None is necessary at this stage. The Federal Government took steps to prevent the evictions which the hon. Member has in mind.
§ Mr. FernyhoughDoes that mean that the agreement under the Paris Agreement really supersedes the Bundesrat's new order? Will the Minister make it per- 1822 fectly clear to the Germans that if any British troops are affected, they will not remain in Germany but will be brought home?
§ Mr. MacleanThe position is that the legislative action necessary to fulfil their international obligations is a matter for the Federal Government, but, naturally, Her Majesty's Government are watching the position closely and will do everything to safeguard the interests of the forces there.
§ Mr. StracheyWill the Under-Secretary keep this matter very much in mind, because, as the status of our troops in Germany changes, as it is bound to do, nothing is more important than that the comparatively high standard of comfort of the troops and, above all, of their families is maintained in this big command. This has as much influence on recruiting as almost anything else.
§ Mr. MacleanYes, Sir; my right hon. Friend is well aware of the importance of those considerations.