HC Deb 13 March 1940 vol 358 cc1170-1
6. Mr. Mander

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the persistent breaches of international law by the German Government in sinking Norwegian and other neutral ships and the inability of the Norwegian Government on occasion to prevent the sinking of British and neutral shipping within the three-mile limit, he will consider the advisability of action being taken by the British Government, by way of reprisal against German action, to stop the further conveyance of Swedish iron ore to Germany in any section of the seas?

Mr. Butler

As my right hon. Friend the First Lord af the Admiralty indicated on 6th March in answer to Questions arising out of his reply to the hon. Member for Seaham (Mr. Shinwell), this matter is under constant and careful consideration, but I have nothing at present to add to this statement on 6th March.

Mr. Mander

Is it not the case that the Norwegian Government are unable to maintain neutrality within their Territorial waters and that three ships have been sunk, two British and one Greek, by German action? Is it not about time that we took some steps to stop this sort of thing happening?

Mr. Butler

The seriousness of the situation must have been appreciated by the hon. Member when he listened to my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty. I can assure him the matter is taken very seriously by the Government.

Mr. Mander

But how soon is some action going to be taken? Too late, as usual, I suppose.