HC Deb 13 December 1932 vol 273 cc182-3
25. Miss RATHBONE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the committee appointed by the League to watch the dispute between Bolivia and Paraguay reported that, as neither of the disputants itself was a producer of arms, munitions, or implements of war, any increase in their belligerent strength must depend on supplies from abroad; and whether, in view of this, he will refuse to issue licences for the export of these commodities to the countries named during the duration of the dispute?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

I am aware of the report to which the hon. Member refers. The suggestion made in the second part of the question is under consideration. The hon. Member will appreciate that unilateral action in this matter would not be effective.

26. Miss RATHBONE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, and to what amount and value, arms, munitions, and implements of war have been licensed for export from this country to Bolivia or Paraguay during the past 12 months?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing the amount of material covered by licences for export to Bolivia and Paraguay issued since 1st December, 1931. It is not the practice to make public information as to the value of material covered by export licences.

Miss RATH BONE

Will the Minister say whether the information given will

STATEMENT showing Material covered by Export Licences issued for Bolivia and Paraguay since 1st December, 1931.
Month. Bolivia. Paraguay.
1931.
December … Nil. Nil.
1932.
January … Nil. 50 37 m.m. ammunition belts.
February … Nil. Nil.
March … 6,650 rounds 65 m.m. H.E. ammunition. Nil.
700 rounds 65 m.m. practice ammunition.
7,715 percussion primers.
6,700 fuses.
April … 8 7.65 m.m. machine guns with spares. Nil.
May … Nil 4,000,000 7.65 m.m. rifle cartridges.
1,000,000 .303 inch rifle cartridges.
200,000 chargers for 7.65 m.m. rifle cartridges.
June … Nil. Nil.
July … Nil. Nil.
August … 100,000 rounds 7.65 m.m. service ammunition. Nil.
September … 90 7.65 m.m. machine guns with tripods. 200,000 chargers for 7 m.m. rifle cartridges.
154 7.65 m.m machine rifles.
1 machine gun tripod.
2,000,000 rounds 7.65 m.m. service ammunition.
October … 6 6-ton tanks. Nil.
6,000 rounds 47 m.m. H.E. ammunition.
November … 1 7.65 m.m. machine gun with tripod. Nil.
8,200 rounds 105 m.m. howitzer ammunition.