HC Deb 12 July 1938 vol 338 cc1110-1
49. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what types of armaments are to be exported from this country under the provisions of the Anglo-Turkish (Armaments Credit) Agreement Bill?

Sir J. Simon

The agreement applies only to such contracts as are concluded with the prior approval of His Majesty's Government and up to the present no contracts have been submitted by the Turkish Government for such approval. I understand, however, that the contracts which the Turkish Government have in mind are mainly for their naval requirements.

Mr. Bellenger

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that latter piece of information, may I ask him to give me, in a little more detail, of what these naval armaments consist? Are they guns or ships?

Sir J. Simon

I could not answer that question. I do not think anybody could answer it. I do not think that the proposals have yet been put forward in detail, but the condition that no agreement can be made except with the authority of His Majesty's Government is, of course, a very effective security that it will not be to the prejudice or disadvantage of our own rearmament programme.

Mr. Bellenger

While not disagreeing with the last part of the right hon. Gentleman's answer, may I ask him to indicate to the House whether it will be possible, and how it will be possible, to find out how the taxpayers' money is being spent on these armaments that are being financed?

Mr. Thurtle

Is not this information precisely the kind of information which potential enemies would like to get?

Mr. E. Smith

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the hon. Member for Spennymoor (Mr. Batey) and those associated with him bore no ill-will to the Turkish Government when the issue was raised last week in Debate?