HC Deb 09 July 1952 vol 503 cc1294-5
15. Mr. Wyatt

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what diplomatic exchanges with the Spanish Government preceded the lifting of the ban on the sale of arms to Spain.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

None, Sir.

Mr. Wyatt

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman really mean to say that he is so anxious to placate the Franco Government that he is giving them these arms without their even asking for them?

Mr. Lloyd

As was indicated to the hon. Gentleman the other day, there is no question of trying to placate the Franco Government. These matters were looked at from an economic point of view and in the interests of the people of this country.

Mr. Ernest Davies

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman state whether there were any consultations with any other country before a reversal of policy of this nature was undertaken? For instance, did we consult our N.A.T.O. Allies and the Commonwealth?

Mr. Lloyd

We consulted one of our N.A.T.O. Allies.

Captain Soames

Will my right hon. and learned Friend tell the House whether he has any information to show that the previous Government consulted with any other friendly Governments before selling jet bombers to Russia?

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