§ 18. Mr. HANNONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the inadequacy of the present embargo upon the importation of arms into China; and whether, seeing that it operates in favour of those countries which do not strictly observe the terms of the agreement prohibiting this trade, he will consider the desirability of modifying the agreement so that British manufacturers may have the opportunity of tendering for Chinese armament contracts?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. His Majesty's Government attach great importance to the arms embargo agreement, and, in order to secure that it shall be effectively and uniformly applied, are endeavouring to expedite the replacement of the existing agreement by a modified form which was proposed at the Washington Conference and elaborated by the Diplomatic Representatives at Peking. If the hon. Member is aware of any recent tenders by foreign manufacturers for the supply of arms to China, I should be glad to have particulars.
§ Mr. HANNONIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that foreign countries are sending arms into China now?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think the hon. Member will gather that from the form of my reply. The important thing is that, in case he has any information as to specific cases, I shall be exceedingly obliged if he will send it to me.