asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he consulted the Ruhr Trade Unions before appointing W. Roelen, a leading figure in the Nazi Economic hierarchy, as head of the Ruhr Coal Administration.

The proposed German Coal Management has not yet been set up. In making appointments to it the views of the miners' trades unions will, of course, be taken into account.

Is the Minister aware that this man, Roelen, has already been appointed and that the committee of the trade unions league in the British zone has already approached the Minister on the matter? Will steps be taken to see that this man is not appointed to any post of this kind?

The hon. Member must be misinformed. The appointment has not yet been made. The views of the German trade unions will be borne in mind.

Is it not a fact that this man has already been screened by the Control Commission, that his appointment has been approved, and that the only reason for the objection by the hon. Member for Mile End (Mr. Piratin) is that he is not a Communist?