§ 66. Mr. MANDERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the composition, terms of reference, powers, and nature of the proposed inquiry into the arms traffic so far as these are now settled?
§ 69 Mr. MORGAN JONESasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether the proposed arms inquiry will have the right to investigate the activities of individuals, firms, associations, Government Departments, and of all armament and munition agencies in the United Kingdom;
(2) whether the arms inquiry will sit in public; whether it will have the right to obtain by subpœna or otherwise the attendance of such witnesses and the production of such books, papers, and documents, and to take such testimony as is essential for an adequate investigation;
(3) whether the proposed arms inquiry will inquire into the methods used in promoting or affecting the sale of arms, munitions, or other implements of war and the quantity of arms, munitions, or other implements of war exported by the United Kingdom and the countries of destination thereof?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe corn-position, terms of reference and powers of this inquiry have not yet been settled. As regards the nature of the inquiry, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which was mode by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, in this House on 22nd November.
§ Mr. MANDERIf I put down a question in a week's time, will the hon. and gallant Member be in a position to give the information?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI cannot name a date, but it will be settled soon. It is now under active consideration.
§ Mr. JONESIn view of the fact that large numbers in this country entertain the belief, rightly or wrongly, that agents of these armament firms do operate abroad in ways inimical to peace, does not the hon. and gallant Gentleman think it is desirable to extend the scope of the inquiry in order to clear up that particular point?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI hope the hon. Member will await the announcement.
§ Commander MARSDENIn view of the fact that the word "traffic" has to most people a rather sinister meaning, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman avoid making use of it in future and refer to the "trade" or "business?"