HC Deb 03 July 1935 vol 303 cc1849-51
24. Dr. ADDISON

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether aircraft engines of types similar to those supplied to British Air Forces have been supplied to other nations during the past year by British firms?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

Yes, Sir.

Dr. ADDISON

In view of the fact that aircraft engines similar to those supplied to the British Forces have been supplied to other nations by British firms, will the right hon. Gentleman tell us what they are, and how many?

Description. Exports.
United Kingdom manufacture. Imported merchandise.
Quantity. Value. Quantity. Value.
Number. £ Number. £
Aeroplanes:
Complete 5 4,675 — —
Parts, engine 80 183,964 4 6,000
Parts, other (except magnetos) … 4,720 … 10
Airships and balloons and parts thereof (except magnetos). — — — —

Mr. ADAMS

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the terms of this question are taken verbatim from the Arms Export Prohibition Order of 19th May, 1931?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

There is, I think, some return of total exports. But any questions about exports should be addressed to the President of the Board of Trade, who is the Minister responsible for all statistical returns.

Mr. COCKS

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether any have been sent to his new German friends?

Captain Sir WILLIAM BRASS

Is there any reason why our manufacturers should not export aircraft engines?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

As long as export goes on at all, it is surely desirable that British firms should export and British labour be employed.

Mr. COCKS

Hail Hitler.

42. Mr. V. ADAMS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether during the past 12 months there have been exported to Germany from Great Britain any aircraft, assembled or dismantled, or aircraft engines?

Lieut.-Colonel J. COLVILLE (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)

There have been certain exports and re-exports, particulars of which I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following are the particulars:

Total exports from the United Kingdom of aircraft and parts thereof registered during the 12 months ended May, 1935, as consigned to Germany were as follows:

Mr. COCKS

Why are we allowing aircraft engines to be sent to Germany at present, seeing that the German Air Force is entirely illegal?

Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLE

The hon. Member will be able to study the report, which I will circulate.