HC Deb 08 December 1937 vol 330 cc391-2
73. Mr. McEntee

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that in a Japanese news service distributed to Members of Parliament it is alleged that 12 tons of phosgene gas have been shipped from England to China; and whether he will state the number of licences granted for the export of this product from this country, the quantities concerned, and the destination?

Mr. R. S. Hudson (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)

No phosgene has been exported from the United Kingdom since the commencement of this year, with the exception of three tons consigned to a dye-works in Holland,

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this news service is issued from an address in Paris, and will he consult with the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs with a view to seeing whether any action is possible with the French Government and this dissemination stopped?

Mr. Hudson

I have made it clear in my answer that the allegation in the document in question is totally without any foundation.

Colonel Sandeman Allen

Is not the suggestion in the question that "gas" has been shipped to England?