HC Deb 20 February 1940 vol 357 c1126
19. Rear-Admiral Beamish

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare what exports from Germany are referred to in the recent assurance given to the United States Government as being allowed to reach the United States in very exceptional circumstances?

The Minister of Economic Warfare (Mr. Cross)

No specific exports from Germany were referred to in the assurance to which the hon. and gallant Member refers.

Rear-Admiral Beamish

Can my hon. Friend say whether the "exceptional circumstances" have yet arisen?

Mr. Cross

Yes, Sir. A number of exemptions have already been given.

Rear-Admiral Beamish

Can my hon. Friend specify any particular export?

Mr. Cross

I do not think that it would be at all desirable that I should give the details or reasons why certain applications for exemption are refused by the Enemy Exports Committee for the granting of exemption.

Mr. Mander

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether they amount to hundreds of thousands of pounds or millions of pounds?

Mr. Cross

I certainly could not give any approximation of the value of these exemptions, but obviously they would not be of the dimensions which the hon. Member suggested.