§ 36. Mr. Shinwellasked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he can state the amount of iron-ore exported from Sweden to Germany since the outbreak of war?
§ Mr. CrossIn the absence of published statistics I regret that I am not in a position to give authoritative information on the amount of iron-ore exported from Sweden to Germany during the war.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs there not an agreement in force whereby the Swedish Government stipulate that with the export of iron-ore to this country they shall be entitled to export iron-ore to Germany? Why is it not possible for the British Government to state the figures of exports?
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes the hon. Gentleman say that no such stipulation has been made by the Swedish Government?
Mr. DavidsonHas the Minister any information about this question, and, if so, does it lead him to believe that the amount of iron-ore exported from Sweden to Germany has increased?
§ Mr. CrossI have information, of course, but it is that information which I indicated I thought I had better not give to the House. The only information I could give is that which could be derived from public records, and there are no such records.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs any attempt being made to blockade Swedish iron-ore exports to Germany, for if Germany is able to obtain it half the battle is won for her?
§ Mr. CrossNo one realises better than I do the importance of Swedish iron-ore to Germany, and if the hon. Member can indicate any means whereby we can blockade Swedish iron-ore going across the Baltic I shall be obliged.