§ 110. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what quantity of coal supplies industrial plans for the Anglo-U.S. zone of Germany have been based; whether the anticipated tonnage output in the Ruhr is being realised; and what steps he is taking to ensure its maintenance.
§ Mr. BevinThe industrial plan for the Anglo-United States zone for the year April, 1947, to March, 1948, was based on an availability of approximately 45 million tons of coal. The tonnage output in the Ruhr which was anticipated when the original plans were being drawn up is not being realised. A number of incentives are offered to miners covering 67W food, tobacco, clothing, holidays and other items. We are giving the whole matter urgent attention, in consultation with German officials and trade unionists.
§ 111. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action he is taking to maintain in operation the basic industries of the Ruhr basin, in view of the grave coal and power position in Western Germany.
§ Mr. BevinAvailable supplies of coal and raw materials are allocated according to priorities. Every effort is being made, in conjunction with the American authorities, to increase the supply of food to the Ruhr. This, more than anything else, may be expected to bring about a rise in the output of coal, upon which the activity of the basic industries fundamentally depends.