HC Deb 11 February 1946 vol 419 cc15-6W
Captain Swingler

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if he will make a statement on the commercial policy of His Majesty's Government towards Spain.

Sir S. Cripps

It is the policy of His Majesty's Government to develop and expand their export trade with all foreign countries. Nothwithstanding the character of the present Spanish règime, on which the views of His Majesty's Government have been made known, this policy holds for Spain also. We import from Spain a quantity of foodstuffs and other commodities which are essential to our economy. As, however, the House has already been informed, there is a prohibition on the export to Spain of goods calculated to strengthen the Spanish Armed Forces.