HC Deb 25 February 1941 vol 369 cc341-2
11. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare what has been the policy of his Department towards Rumania in recent months?

The Minister of Economic Warfare (Mr. Dalton)

When Italy entered the war, all outstanding navicerts and export licences for Rumania were revoked. His Majesty's Government could not consider the issue of new ones while there was danger of goods destined for Rumania falling into Italian hands. Nor were shipping arrangements offered to us which would have provided the necessary security. At this time, moreover, Rumania was already passing under German economic control. No goods have therefore been allowed to go through our controls to Rumania since last June.

Mr. Mander

Can my right hon. Friend give an assurance that similar treatment will be meted out to other countries likely to be drawn into the German orbit?

Mr. Dalton

Yes, Sir. I think the precedent set in this case might usefully be followed.

Mr. Robert Gibson

Can my right hon. Friend say whether that policy is being applied to Bulgaria at present?

Mr. Dalton

Perhaps my hon, and learned Friend will put down a separate Question.

Mr. Thorne

May I take it for granted that the Minister knows that materials sent to Rumania will be "pinched" by the Germans?

Mr. Dalton indicated assent.

Forward to