HC Deb 18 April 1939 vol 346 c150
17. Mr. Sexton

asked the President of the Board of Trade what quantities of iron-ore and petrol have been imported by Germany from the British Empire during the years 1936, 1937, and 1938, respectively?

Mr. Stanley

The quantities of iron-ore imported into Germany from countries in the British Empire during 1936, 1937and 1938 were, in thousand metric tons, 355, 1,027 and 1,591, respectively; the corresponding figures for imports of petroleum were, also in thousand metric tons, 35, 21 and 18, respectively.

Mr. Sexton

Is it not about time the British Empire ceased to act as powder monkey for these dictators?

Mr. Stanley

None of the iron ore came from the United Kingdom.