§ 3. Mr. Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has considered the additional papers and documents containing extracts from the original proceedings, bills of indictment and personnel files, together with certain photostatic copies showing details of the crimes committed by Hitler's judges, who have been reappointed to office either as judges or public prosecutors in West Germany; whether he will ask the Bonn Government to include an answer to these charges and allegations in the investigations they are now conducting; and when he expects to receive the results of this investigation.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydThe answer to the first part of the hon. Member's Question is Yes, Sir. As regards the remainder of his Question, I am making further inquiries.
§ Mr. LewisYes, but if the Secretary of State has seen these photostatic copies of the original documents, proving that these men were former SS leaders and that they are now back in their jobs, he will know all this evidence is available and that it should not have taken the West German Government from last May until now to make the investigation. Can 933 the right hon. and learned Gentleman tell us when he expects to get the result of this investigation, which has been proceeding since May of last year?
§ Mr. LloydI think one has to draw a distinction between allegations—and these are mainly allegations, which come from the Communist authorities in Eastern Germany—and proven facts. I think the right people to investigate these are the German Government, with whom we have been in touch about them for some time.
§ Mr. SpeakerMr. Reeves—Question No. 4.
§ Mr. LewisOn a point of order. In view of the fact that this matter has been going on for twelve months, I beg to give notice that as it is very unsatisfactory I shall raise it on the Adjournment.