HC Deb 30 April 1940 vol 360 c522
24. Mr. G. Strauss

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare what steps he is taking to check aerial traffic to and from Germany, especially over routes leading from Spain and Portugal, and connecting with the Pan-American Trans-Atlantic routes to the United States of America?

The Minister of Economic Warfare (Mr. Cross)

As the aircraft to which the hon. Member refers do not land in Allied territory in the normal course of their journeys, it is difficult to check them without some arrangement with the neutral countries concerned, but the possibilities are being examined.

Mr. Strauss

Is it not a fact that very considerable quantities of goods are evading the blockade through this aerial traffic, and is the Minister taking every step that he can in consultation with neutral countries to check this very serious leakage in the blockade?

Mr. Cross

I am certainly not satisfied with the position, and I can assure the hon. Member I am doing everything I can.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Is not this air transport another reason for applying rationing to neutral countries?

Mr. Cross

That is not a relevant point.