HC Deb 02 July 1940 vol 362 cc656-7
32. Mr. Liddall

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he will state, so far as the national interests permit, what alterations of policy have been introduced in his Department during the last five weeks; and whether he can indicate, so far as is possible, the effect of any such alterations?

The Minister of Economic Warfare (Mr. Dalton)

The policy of my Department is to deny to the enemy, so far as possible, all goods and services which may aid his war effort. A number of events, which have taken place during the past five weeks, have changed the conditions and the methods of waging economic warfare, but, as the hon. Member himself realises, it would be contrary to the national interest to indicate these changes in detail, at any rate in a public Session of this House.

33. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether suitable measures have been taken to extend the blockade to the territory of France under German and Italian control?

Mr. Dalton

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Mander

Can my right hon. Friend say whether this blockade applies also to unoccupied France and the French Colonies, and is he also keeping in mind the fact that Germany now has a through railway route to Spain?

Mr. Dalton

So far as what is called "unoccupied France" is concerned, contraband control is being exercised in such a way as to prevent goods reaching the enemy through any part of France. So far as the French Colonies are concerned, the decision on this point has been deferred until the situation in those Colonies has become clear. So far as the third point raised by my hon. Friend is concerned, perhaps he will be so good as to put it down.

Mr. Thorne

Are you keeping a sharp eye on next door?

47. Mr. Lewis

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the desirability of affording to the Minister of Economic Warfare an opportunity to make a statement about the work of his Department in Secret Session so that Members may be in a better position to judge what useful purpose is now served by this Department; and whether the results likely to be achieved justify the whole-time employment of over 1,000 persons, many of them highly paid?

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Attlee)

My right hon. Friend would welcome an opportunity to make a statement in Secret Session on the work of his Department. If this is generally desired, the necessary arrangements can be made in the usual way.