Oral Answers to Questions — Trade and Commerce – in the House of Commons at on 10 November 1942.
asked the President of the Board of Trade what agreement has been entered into between South Africa and His Majesty's Government as to the price of industrial diamonds; and whether he will state the percentage increase in price since the outbreak of war?
I have been asked to reply. So far as I am aware, no such agreement has been entered into. As regards the second part of the Question, information is not available, having regard to the varied nature of the goods.
Have the Government any control over the disposal of these diamonds if they do not even know the price?
Yes, we have control, but in no case do we purchase them.
Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that none are going through to Germany for industrial purposes?
That is another question.