HC Deb 05 March 1935 vol 298 cc1763-4W
Mr. NORTH

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to state the effect of the new decree imposed by the Italian Government instituting a quota upon imports of coal into Italy; what will be the position of coal loaded, or ready for loading but not yet on its way, on 19fla February; and whether it is proposed to take any retaliatory action against Italian imports into this country?

Country and month in which, licences issued. Material.
ABYSSINIA.
September, 1934 20,000 7.92 m.m. rifle cartridges.
ITALY.
February, 1934 5 air vessels for torpedoes.
4 air vessel ends for torpedoes.
April, 1934 2 depth and roll recorders.
10,000 rounds 12.7 m.m. ammunition.
May, 1934 55,000 rounds 12.7 m.m. ammunition.
June, 1934 2 7.65 m.m. aircraft machine guns (en route for Peru).
1 set interrupter gear (en route for Peru).
September, 1932 2 7.65 m.m. aircraft machine guns (en route for Peru).
2,000 7.65 m.m. Prideaux links (en route for Peru).
2 link loading machines (en route for Peru).
October, 1934 600 rounds 3-in. A.A. ammunition (en route for Siam).
6 3-in. A.A. equipments (en route for Siam).
1 depth and roll recorder.
November, 1934 1 air vessel for torpedo.
January, 1935 2 air vessels for torpedoes.
PARAGUAY.
April, 1934 5,000,000 7.65 m.m. rifle cartridges.

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The present position as regards coal imports into Italy is that licences will be issued to importers up to 31st March to the amount of 35 per cent. of their imports in the corresponding period of last year; coal destined for the State railways is however admitted without restriction. Coal which left port for Italy by 19th February will be admitted without restriction, but no reply has yet been received to the representations that have been made to the Italian Government regarding cargoes loaded or ready for loading but which had not left by that date. I am receiving a deputation from the coal industry to-morrow to discuss the situation.