§ 14. Mr. Chetwyndasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what safeguards he has arranged to ensure that the re-armament of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation countries will not be prejudiced by the supply of materials and weapons to Spain.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Anthony Nutting)The re-armament needs of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation countries are amply safeguarded. The normal licensing procedure which governs exports of military material to foreign countries will apply equally in the case of Spain.
§ Mr. ChetwyndAs the economic need seems to be the only consideration now in this case, may I take it from that answer that economic need will be the only consideration in supplying arms to a democratic country such as Israel?
§ Mr. NuttingMy right hon. Friend dealt with this matter very clearly in answering Questions the other day. He said that not only do we attach great importance to the economic possibility of getting stuff we require from Spain, but there are also, of course, defence requirements to be taken into consideration.
§ Mr. ShinwellWhilst expressing no opinion on the merits or possible demerits of the Question, may I ask whether the hon. Gentleman can say to what extent and in what volume arms are being supplied to Spain? It is a matter of interest to hon. Members.
§ Mr. NuttingNo arms have yet been supplied to Spain because the policy has only just come into effect.