§ 7. Mr. COCKSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in addition to the German order for 80 Armstrong-Siddeley aeroplane engines recently placed, he has any information as to further German orders for aeroplane engines being placed in this country; if so, whether he will give the number of engines thus ordered; whether the inquiries of the French Ambassador 1745 covered such additional orders; and whether His Majesty's Government proposes to take any action?
§ Mr. BALDWINI understand that a small German order for aero engines was placed with another British firm recently. As my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, stated in the course of his reply to the question put by the hon. Member on the 14th May, the placing and fulfilment of orders of this nature in no way conflicts with any treaty obligation. The answer to the third part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. COCKSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is great public anxiety in regard to certain orders for aeroplane engines on the part of Germany, and that in the present international situation it would be madness to allow the engines to leave this country?
§ Mr. PIKEIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is great anxiety in those industrial areas that produce these aeroplanes lest the Government should interfere with ordinary commerce?
§ Mr. BALDWINI think the question put by the hon. Member makes it all the more desirable that the matter should be discussed from all points of view on Friday, which I understand is to be the case.