§ Captain Pluggeasked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether, in connection with the figures recently published by the British contraband control, giving the number and nationality of ships detained, he can indicate how many of these were detained and dealt with at contraband bases in the Mediterranean; and whether he is satisfied with the present arrangements for British contraband control over ships destined for Mediterranean ports, where they could unload their cargoes for eventual transportation to Germany?
§ Mr. CrossThe number of ships detained at British contraband control bases in the Mediterranean during the week ending 13th November, was 22. Of these 12 were of Italian, 4 of Norwegian, 3 of United States, and I each of Greek, Yugoslav, and Rumanian nationality. The number for the week ending 20th November was 23. Of these, 14 were of Italian, 3 of Panamanian, 2 of United States, and I each of Greek, Netherland, Norwegian, and Yugoslav nationality. Considering the difficulties involved in setting up a contraband control system out of home waters, the answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.