HC Deb 07 April 1936 vol 310 cc2588-9
37. Mr. DAY

asked the Secretary of State for War the countries or persons to whom the following surplus armaments of war material has been sold during the previous three years: 71 Lewis guns, 150 Lewis gun magazines, 2.000,000 rounds of small arms ammunition, 300 respirators, 30 depth charges, and one three-pounder gun?

Mr. COOPER

I do not think it would be in the public interest to disclose the names of the foreign Powers to whom, or for export to whom, the British Government dispose of surplus war material.

Mr. DAY

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether they have been sold by tender for the highest price?

Mr. SILVERMAN

Why are we selling this war material while this House is being asked to vote untold sums for the supply of new material?

Mr. COOPER

Certain war materials become obsolete.

Mr. GARRO-JONES

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in previous questions of this kind Presidents of the Board of Trade have given the names of companies to whom licences have been given? Does the right hon. Gentleman have to get a licence from the Board of Trade, and, if not, as the Board of Trade can give this information, why cannot the War Office?

Mr. DAY

What is the loss on this war material?

Mr. COOPER

I do not see how there is to be a loss on the selling of war materials if they are not of any use.

Mr. DAY

Are not the respirators that are being sold of any use?

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