HC Deb 21 May 1928 vol 217 c1506
36. Mr. LOOKER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any steps have been taken at the instance of his Department to prevent the insurance in this country of shipments of arms to China?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Austen Chamberlain)

Without special legislation it would not be possible to prevent British firms from undertaking such business, but at the request of the Foreign Office all marine underwriters at Lloyd's, together with the Institute of London Underwriters and the Liverpool Underwriters' Association, have voluntarily agreed not to underwrite consignments of arms and/or munitions to China. I am glad to take the opportunity afforded by my hon. Friend's question to express my apprecia, Lion of the public spirit shown by them on this as on so many occasions.