HC Deb 13 July 1949 vol 467 cc426-7
47. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Minister of Defence in view of the dollar shortage, what steps he is taking to reduce the importation of armaments from the United States of America.

Mr. A. V. Alexander

Very few armaments or other defence stores are purchased by us from the United States. The purchases consist almost entirely of essential spares for American type aircraft and other equipment already in service. Because of the dollar shortage these imports are being kept down to the lowest possible level, and are declining.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Will the Minister assure us that we are not importing armaments when we need all our dollars for raw materials and food supplies?

Mr. Alexander

I think that can be deduced from my answer.

Forward to