HC Deb 20 May 1968 vol 765 c31
40. Mr. Milne

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will now make a statement about the position with regard to the 1953 order for the disposal of the Krupp coal and steel interests in Germany in the light of the situation that has arisen following the death of Alfred Krupp.

Mr. M. Stewart

Following the death of Alfred Krupp last year, the Krupp concerns have been radically reorganised. The profits of the enterprise, which will now be a joint stock company, are to be paid to a charitable foundation of which the trustees are leading German citizens. All control and ownership has passed out of the hands of the Krupp family. In the changed circumstances of today, these new arrangements finally render the deconcentration order irrelevant. Her Majesty's Government have accordingly felt it right to enter into discussions with the other Governments concerned with a view to terminating the order.

Mr. Milne

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there will be some pleasure at the outcome of the protracted negotiations and discussions which have taken place about the future of the Krupps empire in the last 15 years, and that we hope that the discussions which are to take place with other Governments about the order will underwrite his statement?

Mr. Stewart

I think that this is the right and proper outcome.