HC Deb 15 July 1931 vol 255 cc452-3
54. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that munitions of war are being manufactured for Soviet Russia on the North-East Coast at the present time and during the whole of the present year, and that part of such manufacture consisted of six-ton whippet tanks and 12-ton tanks; whether there are similar orders in hand for export under licence and, if so, what is their description; what are the terms of payment; if these munitions of war are shipped to Soviet Russia direct; and in what bottoms they are carried, whether British or otherwise?

Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

In asking this question, I want to call attention to a slight omission in the last line but one. After the words "Soviet Russia" I had added the words "as such." Those two words have been omitted, and that alters the whole meaning of the question.

Mr. GILLETT (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)

I have no information as to any of the matters dealt with in the question, except that which has been given in reply to similar questions in the past, namely, that licences to export war material to Soviet Russia have been granted in the last two years covering 40 tanks and 26 armoured vehicles with trailers, armament and ammunitions and a small quantity of spare parts.

Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

Will the hon. Gentleman answer the part of the question in which I ask what are the terms of payment? Are these paid for under credit facilities, or are they shipped as tanks or as agricultural tractors?

Mr. SPEAKER

The Minister has given the answer that he has no information.

Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

May I point out to you, Sir, that there are two aspects of this question to which the Minister has not referred? May I have an answer to them?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member had better put down another question.

Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

I have asked the hon. Member what are the terms of payment? Can he answer that question for one?

Mr. GILLETT

I have already answered it. I said that I have no information on any of the matters dealt with in the question.

Mr. SPEAKER

That is the most definite answer I have ever heard.