HC Deb 25 April 1944 vol 399 cc605-6
14. Mr. G. Strauss

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare the amount of chrome ore being exported from Turkey now, together with comparable figures since 1938.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare (Mr. Dingle Foot)

Since this Question was put down, hon. Members will have seen the welcome news that the Turkish Government has prohibited the export of chrome ore to the Axis. Owing to difficulties of transport it is not possible to say what quantity is at this moment being exported to the United Nations. As regards the figures of past years, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Strauss

May we take it that these exports will cease from now, or from some future date?

Mr. Foot

They ceased as from the morning of 21st April.

Mr. Strauss

While congratulating the Government upon their success in this matter, may I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he will bring to the attention of our oldest Ally this example of the help which can be given by a neutral nation?

Mr. Foot

I hope that the Turkish example will not be lost upon them.

Miss Ward

Can my hon. Friend give the figures of the contracts between Turkey and Germany during the last two years?

Mr. Foot

That is another question. Perhaps my hon. Friend will put it down.

Following are the figures:

Total exports to all countries (in metric tons).
1938 208,055
1939 192,843
1940 110,037
1941 81,286
1942 129,307
1943 (estimated) 103,000
1944(January and February only) 16,670

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