HC Deb 07 May 1931 vol 252 cc564-5
93. Sir N. G RATTAN-DOYLE

asked the President of the Board of Trade what permits have recently been granted for the export of arms or munitions of war to Soviet Russia, stating in what parts of this country such arms or munitions were manufactured?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. William Graham)

Since the beginning of this year, three licences have been issued, authorising the exportation to Soviet Russia of spare parts for tanks of a total value of about £2,000, together with a small quantity of ammunition for use with armoured vehicles. I have no information as to the place of manufacture of the material.

Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information, direct or indirect, as to the secret manufacture of munitions on the North-East Coast for Soviet Russia?

Mr. GRAHAM

No; that is really not a matter for my Department, which, as I have previously explained to the House, merely deals with the export of these things.

Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

Will the right hon. Gentleman say which Department is responsible?

Captain CROOKSHANK

Are these exports bought for cash, or on credit?

Mr. GRAHAM

I could not reply on that point; it is a matter of arrangement with the individual firms who make these exports.

Captain CROOKSHANK

They are not sold under the Export Credits Scheme?