§ 1. Mr. G. Straussasked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he can give any comparative figures showing whether the leak in the blockade through Marseilles is increasing or decreasing?
§ The Minister of Economic Warfare (Mr. Dalton)The number of ships arriving at French Mediterranean ports, principally from French North Africa, during the months of April, May, June and July was 248, 261, 300 and 286, respectively. Of these totals the ships which had entered the Mediterranean through the Straits of Gibraltar numbered 50, 36, 48 and 47. Complete figures for the months of August and September are not yet available.
§ Mr. StraussHas the right hon. Gentleman any information as to whether the same high proportion of goods going to Marseilles goes through to Germany, and whether also every possible effort is made to reduce this contraband trade?
§ Mr. DaltonWith regard to the second part of my hon. Friend's Question, I am, as I have told the House before, in very constant communication with my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty, who, of course, has to look at the question from the point of view of the naval resources available. With regard to the other matter, raised in the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, the proportion taken by the enemy at French ports is probably increasing rather than diminishing.