§ 20. Mr. P. Robertsasked the President of the Board of Trade why facilities are being granted for the export of engineers' small tools to China, in view of the fact that these tools can be used for the production of armaments.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftNo licences for the export to China of engineers' cutting and forming tools—a description which covers all small tools of strategic importance—have been granted since October, 1951.
§ Mr. RobertsDoes that mean that there are still in existence licences which have not yet expired, for instance, one which is due to expire on 31st August, 1952, for £5,000 worth of hacksaw blades used for making armaments, which are still in existence from that previous period? If so, will the President take them away?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftThe truth is that no licences have been issued since 1951. If my hon. Friend has a specific case of a substantial character in mind, perhaps he will draw it to my attention.