§ 47. Mr. MANDERasked the Prime Minister whether any officers of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Foreign Office at home or abroad are permitted under any circumstances to assist British armament manufacturers in the sale of their products to foreign Governments?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe business of British armament manufacturers in the sale of their products abroad is carried on through their own commercial agents. It is the custom of His Majesty's representatives abroad to assist, always in accordance with established international practice, the interest of business firms in this country. His Majesty's representatives abroad, however, do not canvass for armament orders and may not act as agents, and no serving member of the Defence Services is permitted to act on behalf of or to assist any armament or any other firm in the sale of its products except within the limits above mentioned and in order to secure that British firms shall not be handicapped in competing with other firms receiving Government assistance.
§ Mr. MANDERHas the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to certain evidence given on this subject before the United States Senatorial inquiry, and has he any comments to make?
§ The PRIME MINISTEROn that, as on all other matters, we have nothing whatever to conceal. We shall wait until we find not only statements but proofs.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSDoes my right hon. Friend's answer apply to paint for painting battleships?