HC Deb 29 October 1936 vol 316 cc15-6
27. Mr. LYONS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any and what armaments and war materials have been supplied by this country to Spain for each of the months of July, August, and September, 1936?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin)

During July, 25 machine guns were exported to Spain. No other supplies of a specifically military character were exported during the period referred to in the question, but in July there were exported 146 cwt. of smokeless sporting powder and also aircraft parts to the value of £1,999. During August, seven aircraft were exported before the entry into force of the nonintervention agreement on the 19th. It is understood that these aircraft and the aircraft parts were civil aircraft and parts of civil aircraft. No exports of the kind covered by the question have been exported after 19th August.

Mr. THORNE

Has the hon. Gentleman got any information as to how and where these munitions were supplied—whether to General Franco or to the Spanish Government?

Dr. BURGIN

The 25 machine guns in question, which were exported in July, were exported to the order of the Spanish Government under a licence issued on 21st November, 1935.

Mr. THORNE

Is not a man entitled to put a supplementary question without so much "yah-yah"-ing?

Mr. LYONS

Is it not a fact that the first exportation was to the Spanish Government, before the outbreak of the Spanish civil war?

Dr. BURGIN

I have pointed out that the 25 machine guns were exported to the order of the Spanish Government under a licence issued on 21st November, 1935. The export was made in the month of July of this year.

Mr. LYONS

Before the outbreak of hostilities?

Dr. BURGIN

That is the date.

Mr. McGOVERN

Is it the intention of the Government to refuse arms to any Government that is attacked, no matter what its political complexion is?