asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps are being taken to settle the food strike of more than 30,000 workers in Cologne and to prevent it spreading to the Ruhr cities; and whether he will make a statement.

The action taken by a number of workers in Cologne was in the nature of a demonstration to call public attention to the undoubtedly difficult food situation. Work has been resumed in all but one plant, where the men are demanding assurances of increased food issues before resuming work. Everything possible is being done by the British and American Governments and the German bi-zonal administration to improve the food situation and thus prevent any further stoppage of work. I am conscious of the difficulties arising from the shortage of food supplies and transport, and while they have been accentuated by international political complications it must be remembered that the devastation caused by the war, which the Nazis started, is the biggest contributory factor, both in Germany and in the liberated countries.