_The National Coal Association_ controls the application of the general policies and decisions decreed by the National Coal Council and regulates the details of the execution of these decrees. It must approve the general conditions of the coal deliveries of the Colliers Association. _It establishes and publishes the selling prices of fuel, taking into account proposals made by unions and the interests of the consumers._ On this point it must insure the same treatment for the consumers’ societies as for the wholesalers, and see to it that each consumer, who takes at least a full carload of coal at the mine or at the point of delivery, shall obtain fuel under predetermined conditions for cash payment. Finally, the National Coal Association has authority in questions of import and export.
_The Colliers Associations_ supervise the application of the decrees issued by the National Coal Council and by the National Coal Association, and, within the framework of these decrees, regulate the production, utilization and consumption on the part of their members. They, themselves, sell the fuel which should be put at their disposal by their members, on the account of the latter. The powers of the Association of Coal-gas Manufacturers are similar.
The mining companies may raise claims and protests against the regulations of the Associations of which they are members, appealing to the National Coal Association and beyond that to the National Coal Council.
If any measure on the part of the National Coal Council, the National Coal Association, or of the Colliers Associations violates any vested right, the individual or the association injured is entitled to suitable indemnity. This indemnity may be sued for before ordinary tribunals.
The powers of the Reich, the States, and the municipalities are fixed by the decree of August, 1919, as follows:
The Reich, through the intermediacy of the Minister of Public Economy, exercises general control over the fuel economy. The Minister may in particular lower the price of coal fixed by the National Coal Association. He may also organize a representation of fuel consumers, a representation with authority to fix the retail price of coal. The cost incurred by the Reich in the execution of the law on the regulation of coal, up to a minimum of 200,000 marks per year, must be borne by the National Coal Association.