HC Deb 21 March 1923 vol 161 cc2537-8
4. Mr. TILLETT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government have any information that considerable quantities of war material are being shipped to and from this country and certain Continental ports; if he will cause inquiries to be made as to the consignees and ultimate destination of this material; and if he is aware of the danger of a national maritime transport stoppage as the result of the traffic?

Lieut.-Colonel BUCKLEY (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)

I have been asked to reply to this question. The importation and exportation of firearms and ammunition to and from this country are prohibited except under licence issued by the Board of Trade, and full information as to the consignees and ultimate destination of any material of a warlike nature is required to be furnished in each case. I will have the recent records looked up and communicate further with the hon. Member, but I am led to believe that there have been no unduly large shipments in the last few months. I have no information as to the last part of the question.