§ Mr. HOLMESasked the Prime Minister whether coal is now being sent from Czecho-Slovakia to Austria; if so, in what quantities; and what arrangements have been made for payment?
§ THE PRIME MINISTERAccording to our latest information the coal agreement between Czecho-Slovakia and Austria stipulated for the delivery of the following quantities:
I understand that these figures are approximately correct. The principle on which the agreement was concluded was that deliveries of coal should actually be made against an undertaking by Austria to give export licences for certain goods required by Czecho-Slovakia. I am informed that these licences have been granted and the goods bought by Czecho-Slovakia exported. His Majesty's Government are arranging to dispatch from Great Britain a substantial consignment of coal to the suffering population of Vienna.
- For September.—100,000 tons for railways, 65,000 tons for household coal and 50,000 tons for gas and electric works. The amounts delivered were 80,000 tons, 16,000 tons and 30,000 tons respectively.
- For October.—The same amounts were promised, and the deliveries were 57,000 tons, 12,000 tons and 30,000 tons respectively.
- For November.—The agreed amounts were: 68,000 tons for railways, 50,000 tons for household coal and 39,000 tons for gas and electricity. The deliveries were 55,000 tons, 8,000 tons and 22,000 tons respective