HC Deb 03 March 1925 vol 181 cc219-20
21. Mr. JOHNSTON

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any permits were issued during the years 1923 and 1924 for the export of arms to Arabia; and, if so, what firms were given the permits?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

Numerous licences were issued during the period in question, mainly in respect of smoothbore shot-guns and ammunition therefor, as well as single revolvers and pistols taken by individuals. If the hon. Member desires I will have a list prepared of the licences issued in respect of arms other than those I have mentioned. I may add that, in pursuance of the provisions of the Arms Traffic Convention relating to prohibited areas, war material is only allowed to be exported to Governments in those areas which are in a position to give the guarantees required by the Convention.

Mr. JOHNSTON

Is it not the case that we have been arming both Ibn Saud and King Hussein, and that these two enemies are fighting with munitions supplied to both of them by us?

Lieut.-Colonel Sir JOSEPH NALL

Can the right lion. Gentleman say on whose authority English machine guns were sent to Soviet Russia?