§ 51. Mr. PALINGasked the President of the Board of Trade how many of the 408 complete aeroplanes exported during the 12 months ended May, 1935, were for civilian purposes; how many for military purposes; how many of the military aeroplanes were for bombing purposes; and what kind of aeroplanes were supplied to Germany?
§ Dr. BURGINI regret that the desired information is not available.
§ Mr. PALINGIn view of the importance of this question and the possible dangers to this country arising from the export of these machines, is it not desirable that this information should be obtained as quickly as possible?
§ Dr. BURGINThere have been a number of questions about the export of aircraft recently and I have given the House a good deal of information as to countries and destination, but I cannot give information as to types. With regard to countries other than Abyssinia, licences are not required for the export of aeroplanes as such but only for aeroplanes having armaments.
§ Mr. PALINGIs there not a distinction between aeroplanes used for civilian purposes and bombers? Would it not be easy to collect statistics in that direction?
§ Mr. WILMOTIs it not of vital importance that there should be the most rigid control of the export of war aeroplanes which might conceivably be used against the citizens of this country?
§ Dr. BURGINI have already explained that for aircraft which are equipped with armaments a licence for export is 1222 required; otherwise, a licence is not required.
§ Mr. MORGAN JONESIs it not a fact that these aeroplanes are bought on the credit of this country?