§ 20. Mr. Wilfrid Robertsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare the total number of persons who now appear upon the Statutory Black List in Latin America and European countries, respectively; how far the List now corresponds with the American Proclaimed List; what machinery exists for the co-ordination of the two Lists; and whether he will make a statement as to the effectiveness of this device in reducing pro-enemy activities in neutral countries?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare (Mr. Dingle Foot)On 16th November, 1942, there were 11,250 names on the Statutory List. Of this number, 7,832 were names of persons in Latin American countries, while 3,002 were names of persons in European neutral countries or their 646 colonies. The Statutory List corresponds very closely indeed with the United States Proclaimed List, and there are now less than a score of persons who appear on one List and not on the other. His Majesty's Representatives in the countries to which the Statutory List applies have instructions to keep in the closest touch with their United States colleagues, and it is now the normal practice for the British and United States Missions to make joint and simultaneous recommendations for inclusion in or deletion from the Lists to the Proclaimed List Committee in Washington and the Black List Committee in London. The Government of the United States is represented on the Black List Committee, while His Majesty's Government is similarly represented on the Proclaimed List Committee. Considerable evidence is now available regarding the combined effect of the two Lists. Generally speaking, neutral firms are showing a steadily increasing anxiety to avoid being listed. I am satisfied that among the European neutrals the Lists have deterred a substantial number of firms from dealing with or on behalf of our enemies, and have appreciably reduced the volume of trade between German Europe and adjacent neutral territories. In Latin America, and to a lesser extent in Europe, the Lists have tended to become a weapon of political as well as of economic warfare, since they have served to identify not only persons engaged in undesirable commercial activities but also those with Axis sympathies. The effectiveness of the Lists has been particularly marked in those Latin American countries which have adhered to the Allied cause, because in a number of cases the Governments concerned have taken steps to control the activities of listed persons.
§ Sir Herbert WilliamsAs answers from this Department are usually five times as long as those from other Departments, ought they not, Mr. Speaker, to be taken at the end?
Mr. DavidsonCan the hon. Gentleman assure the House that should United Nations troops enter into any of these countries, the people already on the Black List will not be given prominent positions?