HC Deb 19 October 1920 vol 133 cc775-6
47. Major MACKENZIE WOOD

asked the Prime Minister whether the German Government have carried out the Spa agreement in regard to coal deliveries; and, if not, to what extent are they in default?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The quantities despatched from the German mines to meet the obligations of Germany under the Spa Protocol amounted approximately in August and September to 1,976,000 tons and 1,937,000 tons respectively. The German Government has therefore to date substantially fulfilled the obligations which it assumed. It is hoped that the deficiency disclosed by the above figures will be made good before the six months covered by the Spa Protocol have elapsed.

Mr. BILLING

May I ask what proportion, if any, of this coal the Government are entitled to claim, and whether it is proposed, in the event of the coal strike proceeding, to get supplies from this source?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The coal is not for delivery to the British Government at all.

48. Major MACKENZIE WOOD

asked the Prime Minister whether the German Government have carried out the Spa agreement in regard to the trial of war criminals?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The execution of the Spa agreement in regard to the trial of war criminals is proceeding. I have no reason to anticipate any failure on the part of the German Government.

50. Mr. NEWBOULD

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state the amount advanced to Germany, up to 1st October, under the Spa agreement?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The amount advanced by this country up to the 1st October was £957,510, and a further sum of £982,868 in respect of September deliveries was advanced on the 5th October. The total advances by all the other countries who were parties to the agreement would be approximately three times these amounts.