39. Miss Wardasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether instructions have now been given that no more vessels of any category or naval equipment shall be offered for sale.
§ Mr. CallaghanNo, Sir. Each case must be decided on its merits. It may be to our advantage to offer certain ships and equipment for sale, particularly to Commonwealth and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation countries.
Miss WardIn view of that statement, may I have an assurance that this whole policy has been reviewed by the hon. Gentleman's Department? Will he also give an assurance that it is a matter for his Department and not a matter for the trade, as was indicated by the Foreign Secretary in answer to my earlier Question?
§ Mr. CallaghanIt is quite clear that the policy must be kept continuously under review if each case is decided on its merits.
Miss WardMay I have an assurance that this is a matter for the Admiralty and not a matter for the trade?
§ Mr. CallaghanThat seems to have nothing to do with the Question the hon. Lady put on the Order Paper.