§ 45. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Prime Minister what proportion of the various forms of armament required by the nation is made by Government factories and by private firms, respectively?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)As the hon. Member is doubtless aware it is extremely difficult to define the word "armament"; moreover, it is not possible to arrive at a definition common to the three Services. With that reservation, I will do my best to answer the question. Separate answers must be given and should be regarded as approximate only.
§ In the case of the Navy the proportion is:
| Government factories | … | … | 3 |
| Private firms | … | … | 4 |
| the Army: | |||
| Government factories | … | … | 1½ |
| Private firms | … | … | 1 |
| and the Air Force: | |||
| Government factories | … | … | 1 |
| Private firms | … | … | 1¾ |
§ These are the latest figures available for the current year—1931–1932.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWill a list of the names of armament firms be handed to Members of the House?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, I think it is a rule of every Government not to do that.
§ Lieut.-Colonel APPLINIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Small-arms Factory at Enfield has half its machinery not working on account of this?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat question does not arise.
§ Mr. MAXTONCan the Prime Minister say whether these proportions have varied considerably since last year?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf my hon. Friend puts that question on the Paper I shall be very glad to answer.
§ 31. Mr. JOHNasked the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of the armaments exports by firms in this country to Japan and China during the years 1931 and 1932 were manufactured by Government factories and by private firms, respectively?
§ Mr. COLVILLENo arms or ammunition have been manufactured in Government factories for export to China or Japan. Complete information as to the source of second-hand arms exported is not available. It is possible that some may have been made originally in Government factories, but the proportion is certainly small.
§ Mr. D. GRENFELLHas not the hon. Gentleman checked the quantity of goods so made and manufactured in Government factories and sold by private dealers?
§ Mr. COLVILLEYes, so far as possible such a check has been made, and the information is contained in the last part of my answer.