§ 66. Sir William Davisonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare whether, in the recent negotiations with the Spanish Government, attention was drawn to the controlling interest acquired by Germany in a large number of Spanish companies producing iron, steel, nitrogen and other war essentials; and what steps have been taken to prevent Germany from continuing to be supplied by Spain with these war essentials.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare (Mr. Dingle Foot)While it is true, as I informed my hon. Friend the Member for East Middlesbrough (Mr. A. Edwards) on 3rd February, that I have received considerable evidence of German infiltration into Spanish industry, the acquisition by foreign companies of controlling interests in Spanish companies is prohibited under Spanish law. There were no exports of nitrogen in 1943, and exports of iron and steel (as distinct from iron ore) from Spain to Germany were negligible; indeed, Spain imported iron and steel from Germany and German-occupied territories. The second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.
§ Sir W. DavisonWill the Minister realise the seriousness of enemy control of so many Spanish companies producing war essentials, both now and after the war, and will he give this matter the very closest attention?
§ Mr. FootI would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply already given to the hon. Member for East Middlesbrough.
§ Mr. LevyIs the Minister aware that this links up with the cartel system, and, although the cartel system is being dealt with in America, there is no machinery in this country to deal with it?