§ 19. Mr. MARDY JONESasked the Secretary for Mines in what year the payment of reparation coal was first made by Germany; what is the total quantity of such reparation coal that has been delivered in each year since to the latest available dale; what is the quantity delivered or credited to each of the recipient Allied Powers in each of these years; and what was the average selling price fixed in each year for the quantity delivered each year to each recipient Allied Power?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Commodore Douglas King)Coal was first delivered on reparation account by Germany in September, 1919, in anticipation of the coming into force of the Treaty of Versailles. I have not yet completed the inquiries which would enable 937 me to answer the rest of the question, but if the hon. Member would be good enough to put it down again in a fortnight's time, I hope to be in a position to give him a full reply.
§ Mr. JONESAre the Government taking any immediate steps to reduce the damaging effect of this reparation coal on British coal exports; and are our experts in Paris considering this matter?
§ Commodore KINGI suppose it is always under review by the Reparations Commission.
§ Commander BELLAIRSIn the table which he is going to prepare, how will the Saar Valley coal be treated? Is that treated as reparation coal?
§ Commodore KINGI should have notice of that question.