HC Deb 25 February 1941 vol 369 cc340-1
8. Mr. A. Edwards

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many licences to export machinery, arms and munitions have been applied for in the last 12 months; and how many have been re fused?

Mr. Lyttelton:

In the 12 months ended 31st January, 1941, approximately 4,500 licences were issued to export machinery, and approximately 200 applications were refused. Not all types of machinery are subject to export licence requirement. In the same period 365 licences were issued for the export of war material and four applications were refused. The bulk of the licences of war material were for exports by the Service Departments to Allied and other foreign countries.

Mr. Edwards

What does the Minister mean by "Allied and other foreign countries"?

Mr. Lyttelton

I am afraid that I cannot add anything to the description. There are some foreign countries which are not Allies, but to which export is desirable.