§ 72. Mr. Douglas Jayasked the Minister of Transport whether he anticipates that the European Central Inland Transport Organisation may have to shut down shortly owing to the failure of certain Member Governments to pay their agreed contributions towards its expenditure; what Governments are involved; what are the amounts outstanding; and up to what date have full subscriptions been paid.
§ Mr. BarnesThe total amount of unpaid subscription at the present time is £129,500. Of this sum £95,000 is represented by half of the U.S.S.R. subscription for the last financial year and the whole of their subscription for the current financial year. The delay in paying the 1090 balance of the other subscriptions arises, I understand, mainly from currency difficulties. The attention of the Soviet Authorities has been drawn to the critical financial position in which the Organisation will shortly find itself if their outstanding subscriptions are not paid forthwith.
§ Viscount HinchingbrookeDoes this organisation serve any important British interests, and if not why are we being asked as one of two Governments to raise our contribution?
§ Mr. BarnesWe are not one of two Governments. I have replied to a specific Question.