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Industrial Plants (Dismantling)

Volume 466: debated on Wednesday 22 June 1949

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29.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many factories have been dismantled in the British zone of Germany during the last three months; and how many remain to be dismantled.

During the three months ending 31st May, dismantling was in progress at 204 plants in the British zone, of which 12 were completed during the period. On 31st May there were 30 plants due to be dismantled at which dismantling had not begun, but work at seven of these had started by 15th June.

While I, of course, in common with I think almost everybody else, do not agree with this policy, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind how important it is to let the German people know why he is pursuing this policy in consultation with his colleagues, because at the moment they are not properly informed of the reasons for our policy?

That is not correct; they are told; the agreements made between the Allies have been circulated, and every bit of information in connection with them has been explained to them.

33.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will order a cessation of the dismantling of the Fischer-Tropsch synthetic petroleum plants in the Ruhr, in view of the reasoned case made against it by representatives of the German people.

No, Sir. I do not accept the implication in the second part of the Question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the application of his dismantling policy in this particular case is very difficult to understand, even in the case of those who cannot be accused of tenderness towards the German State?

Well, this has been carefully analysed and agreed to. It is a long story. This particular plant is in the prohibited and limited industries category, and it is being dismantled accordingly. After all, I would appeal to hon. Members sometimes to have a corner in their hearts for the victims of Germany.

Can my right hon. Friend assure us that the Germans will not, by their well-known technique of mass propaganda and blackmail, force us into the position of going back on these international agreements?