HC Deb 03 April 1947 vol 435 c372W
Mr. Bramall

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is satisfied that the German bizonal economic and food committees have enough independent power to make their own proposals and put them into force without the prior approval of the British and U.S. Military Governments.

Mr. J. Hynd

Since 1st January these bi-zonal agencies have taken over responsibility for the internal economic administration and for the allocation and distribution of food, and they do not require prior British and American authority for their proposals. As they are still nominated and not elected bodies, and therefore have no direct political power to enforce their decisions, they are dependent for the enforcement of their recommendations upon legislation by the respective Land Governments or alternatively by Military Government Ordinances. Pending a decision on the future constitution of Germany and the degree of centralised political authority to be permitted, the British and American authorities are taking such steps as are necessary to ensure the execution of the policies approved by the German bizonal agencies.