§ 56. Captain CROOKSHANKasked the President of the Board of Trade if the Government have sanctioned the export from this country of the tanks which have been ordered by the Russian Government?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. William Graham)Yes, Sir. A licence for the export of 20 12-ton tanks, 20 6-ton tanks and 20 Carden-Loyd light armoured vehicles to Russia, consigned to the Soviet Government, was issued on the 21st March last.
§ Captain CROOKSHANKHow does the right hon. Gentleman reconcile the fact that these tanks have to be paid for in cash while the Russian Government require credit for ordinary manufactured articles?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI do not think that any problem of that kind arises. The duty of the Board of Trade is to give this licence. Were it not given this order would be lost to a British firm.
§ Sir K. WOODIs not this action inconsistent with the policy of the Government?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI can see nothing inconsistent in doing legitimate business.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAre the Labour Government definitely adopting the position of making profits by the sale of armaments to countries which may be involved in war with their neighbours?
§ Mr. GRAHAMThe right hon. Gentleman is under a complete misapprehension. This is a licence granted by the Board of Trade to an order executed by a private firm.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODArising out of the question put by the right hon. Member for Epping (Mr. Churchill), I would like to ask how much profit he Made out of supplying the White Army—Wrangle and Company.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLrose—
§ Mr. SPEAKERMr. Arthur Michael Samuel.