§ Lord Burghleyasked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence whether he can give any information as to the export of military aircraft during 1937?
§ Sir T. InskipThe total number of British military aircraft exported in 1937 was 264, including 70 supplied to the Dominions. Every inquiry has been examined by a committee set up for the purpose. Dominion orders have been given the highest practicable preference and particular regard has been paid to the requirements of countries with whom we have special treaty relations. The execution of foreign orders has with rare exceptions taken place during the changeover from one Service type to another and has had the advantage of keeping in employment during this interval men who might otherwise have been temporarily discharged. In this way it has been found possible to continue an export trade and to retain markets which it is most important for British industry to maintain and develop with little if any prejudice to the most rapid flow of deliveries otbainable for our own programme. Only in the case of 10 aircraft could it be said that Royal Air Force deliveries were affected and in all these cases there were special considerations which justified the action taken.