HC Deb 15 February 1938 vol 331 cc1688-9
11. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked 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. Stanley

No 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. Thorne

Is 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. Stanley

I was merely asked about Japan.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Is 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. Stanley

That is a different question, and if the hon. Member wishes to ask it, perhaps he will put it on the Paper.