Mr. Dugdaleasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Warfare whether there was any consultation between His Majesty's Government and the Government of the United States of America before the decision of the latter to send large shipments of oil to Spain; and whether His Majesty's Government have expressed their agreement with this decision?
§ Mr. FootImports of oil into Spain are carefully regulated by a system of quotas designed to ensure that, while Spain can obtain sufficient oil for her essential needs, no surplus shall be accumulated. This system has been in operation for the past two and a half years, and there has been no recent increase in the permitted rate of imports. During the first six months of 1942, however, shipments of the quota amounts were delayed, pending a fresh investigation into the level of Spanish oil stocks, and allegations of leakage to the enemy. Following this investigation the results of which were satisfactory it was agreed between His Majesty's Government and the United States Government that shipments should be resumed at approximately the same rate as previous quotas.