HC Deb 23 June 1937 vol 325 cc1183-4
38. Mr. Garro Jones

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the firm of Avions Fairey, in Belgium, is manufacturing large numbers of one of the latest and fastest types of British bombing aircraft; for whose order these machines are being built; and what safeguards operate to prevent secret designs, as well as the completed aircraft, from being exported thence to other foreign countries?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

No, Sir, the facts are not as stated. The "Battle," to which I think the hon. Member is referring, is no longer on the secret list, and it is not being manufactured by Avions Fairey in Belgium.

Mr. Garro Jones

But is it a fact that Avions Fairey are manufacturing one of the latest type of bombing machine—I did not say the latest type—and if that is the case, will the hon. and gallant Member say whether there is any safeguard against the re-export of those machines to other countries?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

The consent of the Air Ministry would have to be obtained before drawings of Service air- craft could be sent abroad for the machines to be manufactured there for foreign use.

Mr. Garro Jones

Having regard to the fact that this question refers not only to designs but to the actual manufacture of aircraft, will the hon. and gallant Member say whether there is any safeguard, once these aircraft are manufactured, that they will not be re-exported to other countries?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

Any export of aeroplanes for use for military purposes would, of course, be subject to licence.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Have the Air Ministry in fact given permission for the manufacture in Belgium of one of the latest and fastest British aircraft?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

No. I have already said that drawings of secret British service aircraft could only be sent to a foreign country for manufacture with the approval of the Air Ministry, and that has not been given.

Mr. Noel-Baker

But since permission is given by the Air Ministry for such manufacture abroad in many cases, has it been given in respect to this latest and fastest type of machine?

Mr. Garro Jones

Having regard to the evasive nature of the hon. and gallant Member's reply, I give notice that I shall raise this matter at the first opportunity.