HC Deb 16 May 1939 vol 347 cc1161-3
7. Mr. R. Morgan

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, since Japan is almost wholly dependent upon imports for the war material used in her air-raids against civil populations in China, any such war material is still being exported from this country to Japan?

9. Major Procter

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has recently granted any licences to export war material, either finished or in the rough, to Japan capable of use in bombing operations such as those now being carried on against civil populations in China?

Mr. Stanley

No licences have been issued for the export of war material to Japan since 4th February, 1938.

nickel it will bring to an end a large number of peace-time activities all over the world.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Since the success of such an action might be to prevent the outbreak of a world war, will not the Government consider whether it is worth while instituting negotiations with other Governments on this matter?

Mr. Stanley

There are many people who think that the institution of all-round world economic boycotts is the surest way to start war.

Mr. Edwards

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that although the facts may be as he has stated, the way he has put them presents an entirely untruthful picture?

Mr. Pilkington

Are not hon. Members opposite advocating economic sanctions?

Following is the answer:

8. Mr. Anderson

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many licences were issued for the export of arms during the six months ending 30th April; and the countries to which the arms were consigned?

Mr. Stanley

During the six months ended 30th April, 1939, 369 licences have been issued for the export of war material to 27 foreign countries. With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the countries concerned.

Mr. F. Anderson

Can any reason be given for the great increase over the numbers stated in April, 1938?

Mr. Stanley

I am glad the hon. Member has given me an opportunity to make an apology to the House. A similar question was asked by the hon. Member a year ago and the number of 207 licences was given. Unfortunately, the number of licences given to Egypt was reckoned as only 18, whereas in fact they amounted to 160. If the number of licences given to Egypt in these periods is excluded, the comparison with last year shows a decrease.

Mr. Anderson

Are there any later figures with regard to Japan?

Mr. Stanley

No licence has been given to Japan since February, 1938.

Following is the list:

Statement showing the foreign countries of destination for which licences for the export of war material have been granted during the six months ended 30th April, 1939.
Argentina. Netherlands East Indies.
Belgium.
Bulgaria. Norway.
Chile. Peru.
China. Philippine Islands.
Colombia. Poland.
Denmark. Portugal.
Egypt. Rumania.
Estonia. Siam.
Finland. Sweden.
Greece. Switzerland.
Iraq. United States of America.
Latvia.
Lithuania. Yugoslavia.
Netherlands.