Written Answers To Questions
Friday, 5th May, 1950
German Enemy Property(Advisory Committee)
asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is yet in a position to make an announcement regarding the appointment of the advisory committee on the distribution of German enemy property.
I have been fortunate enough to secure the services of Sir John Morison to act as Chairman of the Advisory Committee, and the other members will be as follows:Mr. R. G. H. Buxton; Mr. E. H. Lever; Mr. D. M. Oppenheim; Mr. J. A. Pollen; Sir Edward Reid, O.B.E.; Mr. R. Willis; Sir Henry S. Gregory, K.C.M.G., C.B.; Mr. A. W. McKenzie.The Committee will advise, as regards the distribution of German enemy property under the Distribution of German Enemy Property Act, 1949, on the classes of claims to be admitted to, or excluded from, the scheme of distribution; the manner and time in which claims should be presented; the scheme, or schemes, of distribution between the classes and the priorities, if any, to be established; and on any other matters arising out of the Act which may be referred to them from time to time.
National Finance
Government Departments(Architects)
asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many architects and their assistants are now employed by public Departments of all kinds, compared with 1938.
The approximate totals for Government Departments are:1950–500 architects and 830 architectural assistants.1938–160 and 640 respectively.
Post-War Credits
asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will give an estimate of the cost to the nation if payment of post-war credits were made to the widows of all those men who, bad they survived, would now be of 65 years of age and over.
I am afraid that this information is not available.
Royal Air Force(B29 Aircraft)
asked the Secretary of State for Air what arrangements he is making for the accommodation of the Royal Air Force squadrons that are to be re-equipped with B.29 aircraft.
These squadrons will be stationed at existing airfields in East Anglia. Certain airfields in the Midlands are to be extended and improved for the operation of modern bombers, and these airfields will be used for training by the units of the U.S.A.F. that are at present stationed in East Anglia. The U.S. Government are assisting in the work of construction by providing Air Force engineer troops. American squadrons will continue to use airfields in this country for training purposes so long as both Governments consider this desirable in the interests of common defence, and until collective security has been secured in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.