§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government whether the question of imposing central economic or administrative machinery in Germany will be delayed pending a final settlement of the policy affecting the Ruhr and the Rhineland and the western boundary of Germany, or whether it is proposed to proceed with the establishment of that central machinery without first settling the other issue, and if so whether all possible precautions will be taken to prevent this central machinery from interfering in any way with the general policy regarding the Ruhr and the Rhineland laid down by the Secretary of State for Air in his speech in the House of Lords on January 24, 1946.]
§ LORD NATHANMy Lords, the establishment of central economic or administrative machinery in Germany is a matter for quadripartite agreement with our Allies. When this question was considered in November by the Allied Control Council, His Majesty's Government took the view that there was no need to delay setting up central machinery pending settlement of policy on the future of the Ruhr, the Rhineland and the western boundary of Germany. But in order not to prejudice discussions which were proceeding through diplomatic channels on the future of the Ruhr and Rhineland, it was decided not to press this view. If any decision is reached to impose any central economic or administrative machinery before the future of the Ruhr and Rhineland is settled, His Majesty's Government will endeavour to ensure that this shall be done in such a way as not to interfere with the general policy of His 289 Majesty's Government regarding the Ruhr and the Rhineland.