HC Deb 28 January 1941 vol 368 cc401-2
1. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare, whether he will give an assurance that every effort is being made to prevent the export of German and Italian goods.

The Minister of Economic Warfare (Mr. Dalton)

Yes, Sir. I attach great importance to the prevention of enemy exports, since the acquisition of foreign exchange through such exports enables the enemy to undertake many most undesirable activities. I have reason to know that the enemy is particularly anxious to acquire further foreign exchange at the present time. My hon. Friend may therefore rest assured that His Majesty's Government make every effort to check such exports.

Mr. Mander

Can my right hon. Friend give an assurance that all Departments of the Government are whole-heartedly cooperating with him in achieving that object?

Mr. Dalton

It would be quite out of Order for me to answer that question.

Mr. McGovern

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether they are still short of oil—the oil he has prophesied them to be short of in the last six months?

Mr. Dalton

Oil is not exported from enemy countries.