§ 37. Mr. Fisherasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government will take steps to discontinue the export of steel, which is badly needed in this country, for the construction of railways in northern Persia.
§ Sir H. ShawcrossI have given this matter careful consideration, but I do not think that in the present circumstances the action which the hon. Member suggests would be appropriate.
§ Mr. FisherDoes not one of the railways under construction actually link up with the Russian railway system; and is it not rather regrettable that our own steel, of which we stand in very great need for re-armament, may be used for conveying our own oil to our only potential enemy?
§ Sir H. ShawcrossI am, in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, keeping a close watch on the position.