§ 22. Mr. G. Straussasked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether His Majesty's Government are taking any steps to prevent industrial diamond exports from this country reaching Germany?
§ Mr. CrossThe export of industrial diamonds from this country is prohibited except under licence of the Board of Trade. A committee having a special knowledge of the diamond trade, on which the Ministry of Economic Warfare is represented, has been set up to advise the Board of Trade on all applications for export licences, to ensure that no industrial diamonds reach enemy territory.
§ Mr. StraussIs the Minister aware that it is alleged that a number of diamonds, exported under licence, go to Holland, and through Holland to the Germans? Has he any information on that matter?
§ Mr. CrossI am not aware of that allegation. This trade is being carefully watched, but if the hon. Member has any particular information of value I shall be very happy to have it.