HC Deb 18 April 1940 vol 359 c1126
82. Mr. G. Strauss

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether, in view of the German attack on Denmark and the seizure of the large accumulation of stocks there, he will impose a strict rationing scheme on all neutral countries contiguous to Germany and take the necessary steps to prevent the building up of stocks in those countries?

Mr. Munro (Lord of the Treasury)

I have been asked to reply. His Majesty's Government have already been in communication with the Governments of several neutral countries regarding the limitation of their imports and stocks of certain commodities; and they propose to continue this policy, the necessity for which, as the hon. Member points out, has been clearly demonstrated by the recent German attack on Denmark.

Mr. Strauss

In a previous answer it was stated that the Government were going to continue this policy. Is the Minister of Economic Warfare aware that Norway has for years accumulated supplies of petrol, and that imports of lubricating oil into Denmark have been stopped because of their excessive supplies?

Mr. Munro

I will take note of the hon. Member's Supplementary Question.