HC Deb 19 June 1934 vol 291 cc201-2
45. Mr. MANDER

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the advisability of appointing a special committee to investigate the charges made that private armament interests in this country have been responsible for fomenting discord between nations with a view to their own financial profit?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)

I do not know to what specific charges the hon. Member refers. I am not aware that any such charge has been formulated by anyone in a manner sufficiently concrete or substantiated to warrant or bear examination. In reply to a question on the 23rd April, I informed my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol North (Mr. Bernays) that no useful purpose would be served by the appointment of a commission of inquiry. Nothing that affords a reason to alter that view has since been brought to my notice.

Mr. MANDER

If I can bring to the attention of the Prime Minister some charges of this kind, will he be good enough to give the matter further consideration?

The PRIME MINISTER

indicated assent.

Mr. MAXTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman conversant with the publications of the Union of Democratic Control, which include this statements

The PRIME MINISTER

Yes, but it is rather old material.

Mr. MAXTON

You were responsible for it.

Mr. HANNON

May I ask whether there is a single case on record at the War Office or in any Defence Depart- ment of any armament firm in this country trying to create discord among the nations?