§ 12. Major-General Sir Alfred Knoxasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare what proportion of the total quantity of wolfram now used annually by Germany is imported from Portugal; and whether any further steps have been taken with the Portuguese Government to stop this trade?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare (Mr. Dingle Foot)My Department estimates that approximately one-half of Germany's annual consumption of wolfram is now being supplied from Portugal. As I informed my hon. Friend the Member for North Lambeth (Mr. G. Strauss) on 30th November, the Portuguese Government have been left in no doubt about our views on this subject.
§ Sir A. KnoxIs it not possible for us to purchase the whole supply of wolfram from Portugal?
§ Mr. FootI wish that it were, but I have pointed out that we do purchase substantially larger quantities than the enemy.
§ Mr. G. StraussCan the hon. Gentleman say when the latest approaches were made to the Portuguese Government on the matter? Has any approach been made in the last month or two?
§ Mr. FootI could not give the exact date off-hand, but quite recently representations have been made to the representatives of the Portuguese Government.