HC Deb 07 June 1932 vol 266 cc1756-7
11. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, since the system of export licences for arms and ammunition from this country has been in operation any permits have been refused; if so, when and to which firm; and for what country were the materials destined?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Yes, Sir; in numerous cases, but I am not prepared to give the detailed particulars for which the hon. Member asks.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the particulars cannot be given?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

It has never been the custom to give these particulars, and it is undesirable to do so.

Mr. WILLIAMS

In view of the profound interest in all parts of the world in this question, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that such information ought to be available?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Some information is available, but we cannot make it available in the form which the hon. Member suggests.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Can the right hon. Gentleman suggest any other method whereby the information can be given?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I do not know of any other.

12. Mr. WILLIAMS

asked the President of the Board of Trade the origin of the system of licences for the export of arms and ammunition; whether arms and ammunition manufactured by the overseas branches of British firms and subsequently exported have to be licensed in the same manner; and in which other arms-producing countries there is a similar system of export licences?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The control of the export of arms and ammunition was first instituted on the outbreak of the Great War, and has continued ever since. The control exercised by this country applies only to exports shipped from United Kingdom ports. As regards the last part of the question, I have no complete information, but I understand that a system of export licences exists in most, if not all, of those arms-producing countries which were signatories of the International Convention for the supervision of the International Trade in Arms and Ammunition and in Implements of War, of 17th June, 1925.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Do I understand from the reply that where English people have firms abroad producing munitions of war they are subject to these licences?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

No, Sir; licences can only apply to exports from this country.