HC Deb 26 November 1947 vol 444 cc290-1W
97. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why it has been decided to remove the major portion of Messrs. Blohm and Voss's armament equipment from Hamburg to India; and whether he will arrange for such machinery as can only be used for armament purposes to be destroyed.

Mr. Mayhew

The special purpose equipment of Blohm and Voss which can be used only for armament purposes will be destroyed in accordance with quadripartite rules. Equipment capable of general purpose use from five Blohm and Voss plants has been allocated by the Control Council and the Inter-Allied Reparations Agency. India has been allocated about one-fifth by value of the equipment from one of these plants.

98. Mr. J. Hudson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any decision has yet been taken about the disposal of tools taken from the Kolibri comb factory in Germany and transferred to this country.

Mr. Mayhew

Yes. One machine is being retained in the United Kingdom for testing. The remainder are being returned to Germany. I am having an inquiry made into the reason why these additional machines were sent.

100. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will investigate the claim that the German firm, of which particulars have been sent him, has had its machinery dismantled and shipped to its competitors in this country; and if he can give an estimate of how far such cases are occurring.

Mr. Mayhew

No machinery from either of the two firms mentioned by my hon. Friend has been removed from Germany. Both plants are scheduled for total removal under the Anglo-American reparations plan, but have not yet been allocated.