HC Deb 09 May 1934 vol 289 cc1065-6
1. Mr. MANDER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the names of the States in respect of which the Foreign Office advised the Board of Trade not to grant export licences for arms in seven cases in the last four years as being contrary to the public interest?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir John Simon)

The consignees in the seven cases referred to were Government authorities in China (three cases) and in Brazil (two cases), a private individual in Austria, and a firm in Belgium. Various Departments are consulted before the issue of licences, and the decision to refuse a particular licence may be taken on the advice of any of these Departments.

Mr. MANDER

Can my right hon. Friend say whether licences are also not given for export to Japan, in view of the fact that China was one of the countries mentioned?

Sir J. SIMON

I understood that the hon. Gentleman was referring to a specific statement made, I think, in the House a few days ago as to certain cases in which the Foreign Office advised the Board of Trade. I have given an answer in respect of those cases.