HC Deb 13 March 1961 vol 636 cc971-3
35. Mr. Millan

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the progress of the discussions with the Governments of the United States of America, France, and Western Germany on the future of the coal and steel holdings of Herr Alfred Krupp.

57. Sir B. Janner

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that there is a growing anxiety about the decision to delay by a year the disposal of the bulk assets of the coal and steel holdings of Herr Alfred Krupp; whether he has considered a resolution passed unanimously at the recent annual conference of the Metropolitan Area of the British Legion condemning the decision, details of which have been sent to him; and what steps he proposes to take to expedite the implementation of the agreement in this respect made between Great Britain, the German Federal Government, the United States of America and France.

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Edward Heath)

I am not yet in a position to make any statement on this subject.

Mr. Millan

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that many of us are extremely dissatisfied with the lack of progress of the Mixed Committee on this matter, and will he convey to the other Governments concerned that the British Government are still serious about this and do not intend that the provisions of the Bonn Settlement Convention should be frustrated by these continual delays?

Mr. Heath

As the House knows, we are in touch with the other Governments about this subject. I think it is important to be clear about the purpose of the Mixed Committee, which is only that of deciding whether, because of the circumstances and the criteria laid down by the Settlement Convention, an extension for another year should be provided, as was recommended last time. It may be sitting again for this forthcoming year.

Sir B. Janner

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that he will indicate to our representatives on the Committee that there is a considerable amount of anxiety throughout the length and breadth of the country, that as recently as only a month ago the area committee of the metropolitan area of the British Legion at its annual conference, referred to in my Question, viewed this decision with dismay in a resolution carried unanimously by it, and is he aware that this is not merely a question of the sale but of dealing with the property which was utilised for the purpose of getting slave labour actively engaged in the interests of our enemies?

Mr. Heath

I recognise that these anxieties exist, but the members of this Committee act in an independent capacity and do not take instructions from their Governments.