HC Deb 15 June 1937 vol 325 c175
6. Mr. Arthur Henderson

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any poison gas has been exported from the United Kingdom since January, 1936; and, if so, whether he will specify the persons to whom such poison gas was despatched and the total amount so exported?

Mr. Stanley

The desired information is not available, as exports of poisonous gas are not separately recorded in the United Kingdom trade returns. There is, however, no reason to think that there has been any export trade in poisonous gas for military use in the period covered by the question.

Mr. Henderson

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that this country should have nothing to do with trade in poison gas, and can His Majesty's Government not take steps to prohibit the export of poisonous gas for any purpose?

Mr. Stanley

The hon. Member must realise that there are several gases which are termed poisonous, and which have a very wide and legitimate commercial use.