HC Deb 05 March 1940 vol 358 c190
39. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether German coal is still being exported from the port of Rotterdam on neutral vessels for foreign ports?

Mr. Cross

Any German coal which may be exported from Rotterdam for any foreign port is now liable to be placed in Prize.

Mr. Shinwell

Although it may be liable to be intercepted under the export arrangement is it not the case that a considerable quantity of German coal has been shipped from Rotterdam to neutral ports and when is the hon. Gentleman going to be in a position to stop this leakage?

Mr. Cross

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. Any ships as I have already indicated in my answer, which now sail carrying German coal from Rotterdam are detained, and already to-day two vessels have been detained in the Downs.

Mr. Shinwell

Is not German coal being exported in Italian vessels from Rotterdam to Italy? Is not that so?

Mr. Cross

That has now ceased.