HC Deb 03 May 1916 vol 82 c40W
Mr. JAMES MASON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why basic iron and basic iron ores, and why steel other than that containing tungsten or molybdenum, are not included in the list of articles declared to be contraband of war?

Sir E. GREY

Enemy countries possess large deposits of basic ores from which ample quantities of basic pig iron and ordinary steel can be cheaply produced. Those countries have therefore no inducement to import those commodities, and His Majesty's Government see no reasons for declaring them to be contraband.