HC Deb 27 June 1939 vol 349 cc185-6
8. Mr. R. C. Morrison

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will compile and publish a list of British firms which have sold quantities of scrap-metal to Germany during the last two years, together with the names of those who comprise the boards of directors?

Mr. Stanley

The information for which the hon. Member asks is not available.

Mr. Morrison

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it would be worth while to endeavour to obtain this information, so that the public may know who are the culprits who are selling scrap-metal to Germany, and so that we may be able to identify them if they appear in a subsequent Honours List?

Mr. Stanley

I think that would be grossly unfair. There was no suggestion two years ago that anyone selling scrap-iron to Germany, if it was not required in this country, would be guilty of doing anything wrong.

Mr. Morrison

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in response to a special appeal, the local authorities have collected old iron, and that some of that old iron has subsequently been sold to Germany?