asked the Secretary of State for War if he will issue a statement on the progress made in the re-establishment of trade unions in the British and American zones in Germany.

Yes, Sir, insofar as the British Zone is concerned; I hope to be in a position to issue such a statement in the near future. In the meantime, I can assure the House that the formation of free trades unions in the British Zone is being encouraged, and my information is that a similar attitude is being taken up by the Control Authorities in the other three Zones.