HC Deb 08 February 1938 vol 331 cc813-4
6. Mr. Mander

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of licences for the export of arms to Japan issued during the last three months, the number under consideration at the present time, and the sums involved?

Mr. Stanley

During the last three months two licences have been issued for the export of war material to Japan. No applications for similar licences are at present under consideration. As has been previously explained in this House, His Majesty's Government consider that it is contrary to the public interest to publish particulars of licences issued for the export of arms and ammunition to particular destinations. I may add, however, that the value of exports of arms, ammunition and naval and military stores to Japan during the three months ended 31st January, 1938, was £36,314.

Mr. Mander

Do I understand that we are to some extent supplying the Japanese Government with arms, in spite of the resolution of the League of Nations Council?

Mr. Stanley

That matter was very fully dealt with in replies to questions put to my Noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs just before Christmas.

Mr. Gallacher

Would not the figure have been higher but for the action of the Middlesbrough and London dockers?