§ Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he has any information about the extent of the increase in the cotton exports from Brazil to Italy since the beginning of the war; and whether he is satisfied that no part of this increase has found its way to Germany?
§ Mr. CrossI am aware that deliveries of Brazilian cotton to Italy have been substantially larger since the outbreak of war than in the corresponding period of 1938–39. The hon. Member will, however, be aware that imports from Brazil constitute only a small proportion of Italy's total imports of cotton. I have no reason to suppose that any part of these imports from Brazil have been re-exported to Germany and appropriate guarantees against re-export have been obtained.