HC Deb 12 May 1931 vol 252 cc969-70
23. Sir NORMAN ANGELL

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the number of tanks or other armed vehicles for which export licences for the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics were granted during the year 1930 and for the first four months of 1931?

Mr. W. GRAHAM

In 1930, licences were issued for the exportation to Soviet Russia of 40 tanks and 26 light armoured vehicles. No such licences have been issued in 1931.

Commander BELLAIRS

Does not a great deal go in in parts, apart from what is mentioned in those statistics?

Mr. GRAHAM

Plainly, I cannot reply to that question, but in any case, as I have previously pointed out, the Board of Trade is only the licensing Department.

Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWN

Did the right hon. Gentleman take any steps, before those machines were exported, to find out to what use they were to be put?