HC Deb 27 May 1957 vol 571 c13
19. Mr. Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why he will not permit the German Democratic Republic to establish a commercial and trade office in this country; and by what authority he claims the right to prevent a trade office representing this Government being established in Great Britain.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

Her Majesty's Government do not recognise the so-called German Democratic Republic. The refusal to allow the establishment in this country of a commercial or trade office claiming to represent the East German regime is a consequence of this.