§ Q6. Mr. Rankinasked the Prime Minister whether he discussed with Dr. Adenauer at their recent meeting the steps he was taking to make effective the directive given to Krupps in 1953 by the three Western Powers on the splitting up of their industrial monopoly.
§ The Prime MinisterMy conversations with Dr. Adenauer were confidential. I cannot therefore say what matters were discussed beyond what was stated in the communiqué.
§ Mr. RankinIn view of the fact that the Mixed Committee meets on Wednesday of next week to deal with the de-concentration of the Krupps industry, 404 can the right hon. Gentleman say whether we have so far made our appointment to the Committee? Would not the right hon. Gentleman deem it advisable to tell Dr. Adenauer that so long as a convicted war criminal remains the most powerful economic figure in Europe today we will find it difficult to join the Common Market?
§ The Prime MinisterI understand that the Mixed Committee met earlier this month and granted an extension of six months. It will meet again in June to discuss any further extension. With regard to the more general aspect, I remind the hon. Gentleman that the High Authority of the European Coal and Steel Community now exercises considerable influence in respect of concentrations, and that therefore the situation has to some extent changed.
§ Mr. J. HyndWill the Prime Minister tell the House what objective is to be served by enforcing this decision, the purpose of which was clear at the time, but which in completely changed circumstances can result only in Krupp selling his interests in coal and steel which are under the close control of the European Coal and Steel Community while there is nothing to prevent his reinvesting the money in, for instance, atomic energy or electronic equipment which are now much more a war potential than coal or steel?
§ The Prime MinisterI think that the hon. Gentleman has confirmed what I said. The coming into existence of the European Coal and Steel Community has somewhat altered the aspect of the question from the time when it was first dealt with.
§ Mr. RankinIn view of these continuing evasions of the Bonn Convention, and this further postponement of the meeting of the Mixed Committee for six months, will the right hon. Gentleman assure us that we will not enter the Common Market before six months have elapsed?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think that this is very much concerned with this Question. This is concerned with the original plan which was set up just after the war for the dissolution of this combine. It was found impossible to find purchasers for the assets, and from 405 time to time postponements have been agreed to by the Mixed Committee representing the Governments concerned. I think that that is all I can say on it at the moment.