HC Deb 24 May 1954 vol 528 cc23-4
39. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence the policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to the export of conventional weapons of war.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence (Mr. Nigel Birch)

It is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to permit the export of conventional weapons of war to Commonwealth and other friendly countries. There is an embargo on sales of all types of weapons of war to the Soviet bloc and to China.

Mr. Henderson

In view of the wide publicity given to the recent statement of Senator McCarthy in the U.S. Senate to the effect that Her Majesty's Government are planning to ship large quantities of tanks and guns to Communist China, will the Minister take this opportunity of refuting this distortion of British policy?

Mr. Birch

There is, of course, no truth whatever in such an allegation.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

In view of the fact that the export of arms is permitted or encouraged to Commonwealth and friendly countries, may I ask in what category comes the export of arms to Spain?

Hon. Members

Answer.

Mr. Ernest Davies

May we have an answer from the Parliamentary Secretary? Is Spain considered to be a friendly country or not? Is the export of arms to Spain allowed, or not?

Mr. Birch

The hon. Member has frequently asked about this. Certain arms of minor importance have been exported to Spain.

Mr. Shinwell

May I ask if the export of arms to Egypt has ceased?

Mr. Birch

I understand that there is no present exporting of arms to Egypt.