§ Mr. Macleanasked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether the Government has agreed to allow Spain to resume the importing of oils; whether any restrictions have been placed on the quantity imported, or/and conditions as to its use?
§ Mr. FootAs was stated by my right hon. Friend on 30th July, His Majesty's Government desire to enable Spain to receive adequate supplies of oil for her own internal consumption, but not for re-export, and to maintain her oil stocks at a reasonable and steady level. Negotiations have recently taken place with the Spanish Government, and agreement has been reached on a programme of imports for the last four months of this year. This programme is based on the present rate of consumption, which is limited by restrictions imposed by the Spanish Government themselves for financial reasons. Navicerts are accordingly being issued for these amounts only, subject to the strictest guarantees against re-export.