HC Deb 23 July 1935 vol 304 cc1640-4
14. Mr. PALING

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the export of 408 complete aeroplanes and 583 aeroplane engines during the 12 months ended May, 1935, he will take steps to ascertain the types of such exports, distinguishing particularly between aeroplanes for military and civil purposes?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Aircraft are not usually fitted with armaments at the time of their export, and I am advised that it is, in many cases, not possible to determine at that time whether any particular aircraft is intended for military or for civil employment.

Mr. PALING

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many cases it is an easy matter to distinguish them, and, in view of the position in which we find ourselves at the present moment, does he not think it is rather important that we should know to what purposes these aircraft which are exported are going to be put?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

No doubt some of the aircraft exported for civil purposes may be put to military purposes, but, as far as we know, when they are going out from this country, they are going to be put to civil purposes.

Mr. PALING

In view of the situation which has now arisen in regard to aircraft and the military use to which they are put, may I ask whether the President will, in future, take steps to ascertain what types of aircraft are exported?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

No, Sir, it is impossible to tell, on export, to what use these aeroplanes will be put.

Mr. COCKS

Will you then stop the exportation of all of them?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

No.

15. Mr. PALING

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the statement of the Secretary of the Air Ministry, in his evidence before the Committee of Public Accounts, to the effect that it is quite conceivable we shall require the whole maximum possible output of all the firms in the aircraft industry to-day, he is prepared to prohibit the exportation of aeroplanes and aeroplane engines?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The answer is in the negative.

16. Mr. PALING

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any of the 408 complete aeroplanes exported during the 12 months ended May, 1935, carried armaments; and whether any licences were issued during that time for the export of armaments used for aerial warfare, including bombs, and, if so, what was the amount exported?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The information asked for in the first and third parts of the question is not available. In reply to the second part, I am circulating with the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement showing particulars of the aircraft armament, including bombs, for which export licences were issued during the year ended 31st May, 1935.

Following is the statement:

STATEMENT showing armament used for aerial warfare, including bombs, covered by export licences issued during the period 1st June, 1934, to 31st May, 1935.

Material.

17. Mr. COCKS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state how many ignition screens for aero-engines have been exported to Germany in the six months ended 30th June, 1935?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I regret that the desired information is not available, as exports of ignition screens for aero- engines are not recorded separately in the United Kingdom trade returns.

Mr. COCKS

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that as many ignition screens as are required to equip 3,000 German aeroplanes have been sent from this country by one firm alone in the last six months? Will you stop that export?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

No.

Mr. COCKS

Does that mean that the right hon. Gentleman prefers profits to patriotism? If he goes on like that, he is acting like a traitor.

Mr. SPEAKER

I think that finishes the question.