§ 36. Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Supply to what countries, or manufacturers in countries, licences have been granted for the production of Vampire jet aircraft; and what conditions have been made when granting these licences that the aeroplanes manufactured there under will not be used in contravention of the Tripartite Declaration of 1950.
§ Mr. MaudlingLicences for the manufacture of Vampire jet aircraft have been granted to the following countries or to manufactureres in these countries—in chronological order—Switzerland, France, Italy, India and Australia. A licence was also granted in 1949 to Egypt, but it has never been operative. All the licences were granted prior to the Tripartite Declaration in 1950, and the second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.
§ Mr. JannerWill not the Minister take some steps to see that if any Vampires are manufactured at the present time they will not be manufactured in such numbers and exported in such a way as to make the Tripartite Agreement null and void, and will he also inquire into the question of the Italian supply, which was denied in this House before, but which the New York Times has authenticated? The matter is a serious one and would interfere with the Tripartite arrangements made between the countries concerned.
§ Mr. MaudlingMy responsibility is confined to this question of the terms on which licences are issued. I am afraid, therefore, that the important but wider question which the hon. Gentleman raises must be referred to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
§ Mr. JannerIn view of the unsatisfactory reply, and its serious implication, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.