HC Deb 25 April 1939 vol 346 cc957-8
41. Mr. Day

asked the Secretary of State for War particulars of the extent the Bren light machine-gun is to be manufactured in the Dominions; and whether the Government now have the right to manufacture these guns and the component parts for the same?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

The extent to which various Dominions may decide to manufacture the Bren machine-gun is for their own decision. The answer to the second part of the question is "Yes, Sir"

Mr. Day

Will these guns be manufactured in sufficient quantities to supply Territorial units?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

Yes, Sir.

42. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Secretary of State for War when the sole manufacturing rights for the Bren machine-gun were acquired by Great Britain and the Dominions?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

Manufacturing rights—not sole rights—for the Bren machine-gun were acquired under an agreement entered into on 24th May, 1935, which also enables us to grant licences to manufacture to the Dominions.

Mr. Bellenger

Are we to understand that payments for these rights are still being made to the appropriate parties who granted the rights?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I should require notice of that question, but I imagine that any contract entered into by us would be fulfilled.