HC Deb 30 May 1956 vol 553 cc227-8
30. Mr. Jay

asked the Minister of Defence what progress has been made in discussions with the West German Government on the cost of British troops in Germany.

Sir W. Monckton

Negotiations are progressing, but it would be premature for me to say anything more at the present moment. I will make a statement as soon as I can.

Mr. Jay

Does this mean that we can definitely count on receiving the £50 million from Germany which the Chancellor has included in his Budget this year?

Sir W. Monckton

It only means that before I can answer the Question I must wait, but I will answer it as soon as I get the information.

Mr. Strachey

Does the Minister agree that it was rather rash to let our derequisitioning powers lapse and make other concessions of that sort before the question of the cost had been settled with the German Government?

Sir W. Monckton

That is a different question.