§ 37. Dr. Littleasked the President of the Board of Trade what quantity of steel has been shipped from the United Kingdom to neutral Eire since the outbreak of war; and what agreement has been made with the Eire Government for further shipments.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Captain Waterhouse)It would not be in the public interest to publish figures of these exports in wartime. Present exports are a small proportion of normal, and are limited by our supply position. There is no agreement with the Eire Government to supply it with steel.
§ Dr. LittleHas the Minister seen the report in a London paper that 1,000 tons of steel were exported to Eire six months ago, and that another 1,000 tons are being exported now? Does he consider it right to allow steel exports into a neutral State at a time of such scarcity?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member is asking for an opinion, not for information.