§ 11. Lieut.-Commander Fletcherasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give particulars of the licence granted during November, 1937, to Messrs. Vickers, Armstrong, for the export of machine-gun sets to Japan?
Mr. StanleyNo licences were in fact issued during November, 1937, for the export of war material of any description to Japan; but, as I have 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.
§ Mr. ThorneIs it not a fact that licences have been given for the export of arms to other countries, and that they are re-exported from those countries to Japan?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIs it not possible for the right hon. Gentleman to insist upon the condition that they shall not be re-exported to Japan? Has that not been done before, and should it not now be done, in the public interest?
Mr. StanleyThat is a different question, and if the hon. Member wishes to ask it, perhaps he will put it on the Paper.