HC Deb 15 June 1937 vol 325 c176
8. Sir Hugh Seely

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the supplies of minerals from the Spanish mines in the territory controlled by General Franco are being exported to British customers or are being diverted to Germany and Italy; and whether iron-ore supplies from the territory controlled by the Basque Government are still being exported to this country?

Mr. Stanley

There have been some diversions to Germany and Italy of part of the minerals produced by the mines in the territory controlled by General Franco. Such difficulties as at present exist are being examined in relation to informal assurances received from General Franco's administration that, as far as territory within his control is concerned, there will be no interference in supplies of minerals to the United Kingdom. No substantial complaint has been received regarding supplies of iron-ore from territories controlled by the Basque Government.