HC Deb 01 August 1935 vol 304 cc2849-50
48. Mr. COCKS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the difficulty of distinguishing between aircraft destined for civil purposes and those destined for military purposes, he will take steps to ensure that no aircraft or aircraft necessities shall be exported from this country to any foreign country without a licence?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

No, Sir. I do not consider that any sufficient ground exists for placing this obstacle in the way of this branch of our export trade.

Mr. COCKS

May I ask whether it is a Cabinet decision or merely a departmental decree? I ask this question because I put the question down originally to the Prime Minister.

Mr. RUNCIMAN

His Majesty's Government are responsible for the reply that has been given.

Mr. WILMOT

Would not some such measure as this have checked the rearmament of Germany unknown to the Government here?

Mr. DORAN

And Russia as well?