HC Deb 16 May 1939 vol 347 cc1158-9
1. Mr. A. Edwards

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the speech of Mr. Mackenzie King, the Prime Minister of Canada, in the House of Commons at Ottawa, on 3rd May, indicating some concern regarding the export of nickel and other war materials to Germany; and whether any communications have been exchanged with the Dominions, with a view to initiating a policy of controlling such exports throughout the Empire?

The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Sir Thomas Inskip)

I have seen the text of Mr. Mackenzie King's statement in the Canadian House of Commons on 3rd May, in the course of which he stated that the Canadian Government regard the whole question of control of exports of commodities which may be used for war as well as industrial purposes, as one of importance and that this question was reviewed fully in a statement which he made last year and has been continuously under review. The Canadian Prime Minister, however, observed that the recent statements in this House to which his attention had been called did not present any new facts or considerations which required a restatement of Canadian policy. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Gentleman to recent answers on the subject, to which I have nothing to add.

Mr. Edwards

Are we to understand that the Government are still determined not to take any action to prevent these raw materials getting to aggressor countries so as to become a menace to the British Empire?.

Sir T. Inskip

Every raw material which is in common use to-day is wanted for war purposes and the effect of adopting the hon. Gentleman's suggestion would be to place an embargo on commerce all round.

Mr. Edwards

Although it may be used for other things than war purposes, is it not a fact that without raw materials from the British Empire no combination of aggressor nations could be a menace to the Empire?

Sir T. Inskip

That is a matter for argument.

Mr. Edwards

Will the Minister put some fact before the House which will indicate that it is a matter of argument?