§ Mr. Manderasked the Minister of Economic Warfare what recent improvement there has been in connection with the prevention of enemy trading to Marseilles?
§ Mr. FootAs the House is aware, His Majesty's Government attach the greatest importance to checking traffic to and from Marseilles, since the bulk of cargoes landed there are seized by the Germans and Italians, and outward-bound ships carry enemy exports. While the position is still not satisfactory, I am glad to say that a steady toll is taken of ships attempting to evade control. During each of the1552W months of May and June, six ships trading between metropolitan France and French colonies have been intercepted, and there have so far been four interceptions this month. Two of these ships have been intercepted by units of the Netherlands Navy, and I should like to take this opportunity of acknowledging the valuable assistance which the Netherlands Navy is giving us in the enforcement of the blockade.