asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he is aware that within the last three weeks more than 16 Italian vessels have been loading German coal in Rotterdam for Italy; and whether these exports are subjected to contraband examination?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the Question, all such vessels are liable to search for enemy exports.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the 16 Italian vessels which have been loading German coal for Italy have actually been subjected to contraband examination?

Obviously, vessels which are now loading coal will not have been subjected to search for enemy export. They cannot be subjected to such examination until after they are loaded, but it is intended at an early date that such ships, if there are any, should be searched for prize.

Does the hon. Gentleman mean that they are to be subjected to examination at an early date, and does it also mean that all the vessels, a great many more than the 16 referred to in the Question, which have been moving coal from Germany to Italy, have not yet been subjected to contraband examination?

I do not think that I understand the meaning of the Question of the hon. Member. The Question referred to exports of German coal for Italy, in which case ships can be examined for purposes of enemy export only after they have left port with their cargo on board, The hon. Member's Question referred to ships which have not left port, and my answer is that after a certain early date such ships will be subject to examination after they have left port.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that for some time past Italian vessels have been loading German coal for Italy and have not been subjected to contraband examination? Why this consideration for Italy?

The House will remember that when the reprisals Order-in-Council was introduced the Government declared its intention of introducing it with as little inconvenience as possible to neutrals. In this particular case a period has been allowed in which negotiations might take place to enable the Italians to obtain their coal supplies from alternative sources. That period is now drawing to a close.