Mr. Warbey asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether the Potsdam decision that the standard of living in Germany shall not exceed the average for Europe as a whole, excluding Great Britain and the U.S.S.R., applies also to Austria.
§ Mr. J. HyndThe Potsdam decision referred to applies to Germany during the88W initial period of control. It does not apply to Austria.
§ Sir J. Mellorasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what quantities of food have been exported during the last three months from the United Kingdom for consumption by Germans; and whether he will now stop the export to Germany of food except for British consumption.
§ Mr. J. HyndThe quantities were some 42,500 tons of potatoes and potato flour, 20,000 tons of barley, 25,000 tons of flour and 250 tons of miscellaneous foodstuffs. Imports of food into the British zone of Germany are not more than sufficient to maintain a bare subsistence standard of nutrition, while making the fullest use of indigenous supplies. These imports, the cost of which is a first charge on the proceeds of exports of coal and other commodities from Germany, are necessary to prevent disease and unrest and to carry out the purposes of the occupation.