§ Mr. J. B. Hyndasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why a judgment of the Cologne Labour Court of 15th July, 1947, in favour of two railwaymen, Schommertz and Thomas, was not implemented; why applications for enforcement of this judgment were declined by Land Legal Department, H.Q. North Rhine Westphalia; and whether it is intended that these judgments will now be applied.
§ Mr. MayhewSchommertz and Thomas were not railwaymen but employees of the Reichsautobahnen, a public corporation subject to Military Government control under Military Government Law No. 52. The corporation is in liquidation and78W its liabilities include a large number of wage claims. No payments can be made until it is determined what assets will finally be available for distribution to creditors and, pending a settlement, it would be inequitable to give priority to the claims of Schommertz and Thomas. Enforcement of the Cologne Labour Court judgment in their favour has therefore been suspended.