§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY(by Private Notice) asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the statements to the effect that the French Régie in the Rhineland has issued ordinances prohibiting the importation into the British zone at Cologne of all articles except military transports, foodstuffs and raw materials, and prohibiting the export of all goods from the British zone except brown coals; what truth there is in these statements and what action His Majesty's Government is taking in the matter?
§ Mr. McNEILLI understand that a question on the same point has been put by the hon. Member for Dartford (Mr. Mills) to the Prime Minister. Possibly my answer will cover both. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Inquiries are being made and the attention of the French and Belgian Governments has been called to the matter. For the moment it would be premature to make any further statement.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYIf this virtual blockade of our zone and Army continues, is there any form of reprisals that we can adopt?
§ Mr. McNEILLI am not prepared for a moment to accept the description given by the hon. and gallant Gentleman. We are making inquiries, and have received information. The very latest information we have received, though I cannot give it to the House, makes me very chary of accepting any broad interpretation of what has been done.