§ 4. Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Undersecretary of State for Dominion Affairs what minerals, and what quantity, have left Canada in the last 12 months to the nearest date for Japan; and what quantity of scrap-iron has left Australia in the last six months for Japan?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Mr. Shakespeare)With regard to the first part of the Question, I am not in a position to add to the reply given to the hon. Member for Derby (Mr. Noel-Baker) on 22nd October. With regard to the second part, it was announced by the Commonwealth Government on 27th November that exports of scrap-iron and steel would thereafter be prohibited to other than British Empire destinations.
§ Mr. EdwardsIs the Minister not concerned about the enormous quantities of valuable minerals still leaving the. Dominion of Canada for Japan?
§ Mr. ShakespeareIf the hon. Member will read the long statement made on behalf of the Canadian Government, he will see that the position is now satisfactory.
§ 7. Mr. Edwardsasked the President of the Board of Trade what quantity of materials capable of being used as, or in the manufacture of, munitions of war, has left this country for Japan in the la. 12 months?
§ The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Lyttelton)During the period of the war no licences have been issued for the export from this country to Japan of war material as such.
§ Mr. EdwardsCould the Minister say whether he has reason to suppose that other commodities which could be used for munitions of war have been exported?
§ Mr. LytteltonNo, Sir. Great care is taken over that point. Of course, we cannot give a general assurance that nothing exported can be capable of conversion.
§ Mr. LytteltonMaterial which can be identified as being for war purposes.