HC Deb 08 July 1926 vol 197 cc2253-5
45. Mr. RENNIE SMITH

asked the Prime Minister if he will give the figures for the latest year available of the total amount of arms and ammunition manufactured in this country for all the fighting services; and the amounts manufactured under private and Government firms, respectively?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)

It would not be in the public interest to give the information asked for by the hon. Member.

Captain BENN

Are we not under a pledge in the Covenant of the League of Nations to see that the private manufacture of arms ceases?

The PRIME MINISTER

I do not think so.

Mr. SMITH

Cannot we possibly have any figures?

The PRIME MINISTER

My answer is that it has never been the practice to give the amount of ammunition and arms manufactured in the country, because it

centage of the import trade of Canada done by this country during the years ending 31st December, 1923, 1924 and 1925, and for the six months ending 30th June, 1926?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)

The answer contains a table of figures, and the hon. Member will, perhaps, agree to my circulating it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

is considered to be rather detrimental to the national interests.

Mr. SMITH

Is the Prime Minister not aware that the League of Nations has indicated that the private manufacture of arms and ammunition should cease, and is it not therefore desirable that the practise of refusing to give these figures should cease?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is another question.

Mr. SNOWDEN

If the Prime Minister is not in a position to give the full figures, can he give the proportions manufactured by private firms and by the Government?

The PRIME MINISTER

I will consider a question of that kind if it is put down.

Captain GARRO-JONES

Can the Prime Minister say how, if every Government adopts that view, it will be possible to ensure any reduction in armaments?

The PRIME MINISTER

Quite frankly, I cannot follow that reasoning.

Captain GARRO-JONES

If the League of Nations lays down certain limitations of armaments, how can we ensure that that limitation will be adhered to if every Government keeps its manufacture of armaments secret?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a hypothetical question.