81. Mr. Vaneasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what economic links, other than the recently constructed hydro-electric works, exist for maintaining the Union of South Tyrol with Italy.
Mr. McNeilAs the hon. Member implies, the principal Italian economic interest in the South Tyrol consists in the electric power stations that have been constructed there. In addition to these, there is some aluminium and chemical plant in the area, and an important synthetic ammonia plant at Sinigo-Merano, which is engaged in the production of artificial fertilisers. It is further estimated that some 10 per cent. of Italy's requirements of industrial and domestic timber come at present from the South Tyrol.