HC Deb 09 May 1944 vol 399 cc1699-700
31. Sir Patrick Hannon

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare what check has been established at the Spanish ports or otherwise to secure that only the agreed tonnage of wolfram is exported from Spain to Germany.

Mr. Foot

We are fully aware of the danger that the enemy may attempt to smuggle out of Spain quantities of wolfram in excess of the amounts permitted under our recent agreement with the Spanish Government, Although for obvious reasons it is not desirable to go into details I can assure my hon. Friend that we are doing everything possible to detect such attempts and to ensure that they do not succeed.

Sir P. Hannon

Would my hon. Friend indicate what form of machinery he has created in Spain or in other quarters, in order to keep some check on the export of wolfram?

Mr. Foot

That is precisely the type of detail that ought not to be given to the House.

Sir A. Southby

Has my hon. Friend any reason whatever to suppose that the Spanish Government will not keep their word?

Mr. R. J. Taylor

Past experience.

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