HC Deb 26 February 1940 vol 357 cc1732-3
22. Mr. A. Edwards

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what quantities of scrap-iron and steel were shipped from Australia to Japan during the last five months, and the previous six months?

The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Mr. Eden)

I regret that the information for which the hon. Member asks is not available.

Mr. Edwards

Will the Minister take steps to obtain the information?

Mr. Eden

I think the practice of the Government in the Commonwealth of Australia is the same as ours—that is, in wartime not to publish figures of trade as between individual countries. I am pretty certain that their practice is the same as ours.

Mr. Edwards

Will the Minister take steps to see that everything possible is done to prevent scrap-iron and steel going to Japan, in view of the limited supplies here?

Mr. Eden

It will be appreciated that it not for me to express an opinion as to what other Governments should do, but I can assure the hon. Member that we have had remarkably good co-operation with the Government of Australia.

Mr. Edwards

When it is of such paramount importance that we should obtain every possible supply, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see, whoever is concerned in this matter, that scrap-iron and steel do not go to Japan, and that we get all supplies that Australia can possibly spare?

Mr. Eden

That is quite another question. As I have explained, the Government of Australia is co-operating with us, and beyond that I cannot answer.