HC Deb 22 June 1937 vol 325 cc998-9
20. Mr. Garro Jones

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many Rolls Royce and how many other aero-engines were the subject of export licences in the past financial year; if not subject to export licences how many were, in fact, exported; and whether he will state, in either case, the countries of first destination?

Mr. Stanley

No specific export licences were issued in respect of aircraft engines during the financial year ended 31st March, 1937. The aircraft engines exported during this period under the open general licence of the Board of Trade numbered 666. With the hon. Member's permission I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving particulars of the countries of consignment. Separate particulars of engines of particular makes cannot be given.

Mr. Garro Jones

Is there any safeguard against the reconsignment of these aero engines to countries other than the country of first destination?

Mr. Stanley

I cannot answer that off-hand. As the hon. Member knows, as a consequence of the Royal Commission of the Private Manufacture of Arms, the system is to be altered in some respects, and in future military aircraft will not be exported under a general licence, but under a particular one.

Following is the statement: TABLE showing the number of aeroplane engines exported from the United Kingdom, as registered during the 12 months ended March, 1937, distinguishing the principal countries to which these exports were consigned.
Countries to which consigned. Number.
Union of South Africa (excluding South-West Africa Territory) 79
British India 20
Hong Kong 12
Australia 40
Finland 29
Estonia 10
Latvia 14
Lithuania 17
Poland (including Dantzig) 113
Germany 9
Netherlands 41
Belgium 48
France 15
Portugal 10
Yugoslavia 58
Greece 12
Egypt 18
China (excluding Hong Kong, Macao, Manchuria and leased territories) 9
Japan (including Formosa) 33
Other countries 79
Total exports (United Kingdom manufacture) 666