§ 96. Mr. Platts-Millsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what has been the response of the Social Democratic and Communist parties, respectively, to the project for land reform in the British zone of Germany.
§ Mr. MayhewThe representatives the Zonal Advisory Council of the Social Democratic Party and of the Communist Party were not in favour of the proposals for land reform in the Draft Ordinance.
§ 97. Mr. Platts-Millsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what part has been played by the elected representatives of the German people in the formulation of the project for land reform in the British zone of Germany.
§ Mr. MayhewThe Draft Ordinance for Land Reform in the British zone of Germany is not the final text but merely a proposal of our authorities for discussion by the Zonal Advisory Council. It has been submitted to this Council for their comments and advice. These have been received and are now under consideration. This Council consists of representatives all political parties who are nominated by the Land Parliaments, which in turn are elected by the German people.
§ 98. Mr. Platts-Millsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the scheme for land reform in the British zone of Germany leaves the principal landowners in possession of estates of 375 acres; and whether it aiso provides for full compensation for land surrendered.
§ Mr. MayhewThe Draft Ordinance on Land Reform provided that with certain exceptions no persons should own land in the British zone of Germany in excess of an area of 150 hectares, which is about 107W 370½ acres, or an area of a value of Reichsmarks 200,000, whichever is the greater. In accordance with the views expressed by the Zonal Advisory Committee last year, provision was made in the Draft Ordinance for the payment of full compensation for the land surrendered.