HC Deb 05 May 1920 vol 128 cc2076-7
96. Captain W. BENN

asked on what principles the Board of Trade proceeds in granting or withdrawing licences for export?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Applications for export licences are considered on their individual merits in consultation with any other Department interested, and account is taken both of the state of supplies and requirements in this country and of the importance of maintaining and extending export trade so far as practicable. As regards food commodities, the Board act on the advice of the Ministry of Food; and in the cases of arms and ammunition and narcotics they are guided by the principles laid down in the Convention for the control of the trade in arms and ammunition and the International Opium Convention.

Captain BENN

Is this licensing for export done under any statute, or has this House any control of the licensing?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I think an answer has already been given that it is done under the authority of the Privy Council, and was done under that authority at the time of the Government of 1915.