HC Deb 02 July 1956 vol 555 cc991-3
60. Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now aware that destroyers have been supplied to Egypt by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics with the consequent result of seriously affecting the balance of arms as against Israel; and if he will consult with the other members of the Tripartite Declaration with a view to supplying Israel with the necessary defensive weapons to adjust the position.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

Her Majesty's Government have information that two destroyers recently arrived in Egypt from a Soviet bloc country. With regard to the second part of the Question, I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Gentleman on 13th June.

Mr. Janner

Does not the hon. Gentleman think, in view of the recent statement made by Colonel Nasser reiterating that he is determined to attack Israel, and particularly in view of the fact that the Arab States are not prepared to agree to some system whereby the two parties can come together for consultation, that there is a deliberate intention to use these destroyers for war purposes against Israel? In those circumstances, does not the hon. Gentleman think that the balance referred to in the Tripartite Declaration is being entirely destroyed, and should not the parties to the Declaration come together to deal with the situation?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

I think I should say that two destroyers have recently arrived in Israel after a refit in this country.

Mr. Robens

In view of the fact that the Foreign Secretary said a few moments ago that he thought the balance was in favour of Israel, may I ask how many more destroyers, MIGs and other weapons of war have to be supplied to the Arabs before the balance is equal?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

As the right hon. Gentleman knows well, this is taken into account constantly by the Government.

Mr. Janner

In reply to a supplementary question, the Minister said that two destroyers are being sent to Israel, but were not destroyers supplied to Egypt by us as well, and, in those circumstances, how can he say that the balance is being maintained when destroyers at this stage are coming to Egypt from another country?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

They have not yet reached Egypt.

Mr. Shinwell

When the hon. Gentleman informs the House that two destroyers have been refitted recently in this country and have been sent to Israel, will he also inform the House that two similar destroyers have been refitted and are about to be sent to Egypt from this country? Having regard to the three destroyers sent by the Soviet Government to Egypt, why does he maintain that there is a correct balance in arms as between the two countries?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

Because all these factors are taken into account, as the right hon. Gentleman has been informed weekly in this House, and as he knows as a former Minister of Defence.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Will the hon. Gentleman inform the House why it is against the conventions of the House to give details of arms supplied to Israel and not of those supplied to Egypt?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

I have given details twice of the arms supplied to Egypt?

Mr. Speaker

Order. It is now after half-past Three.

Mr. Paget

On a point of order. As it is clear that nobody in the Foreign Office appears to have any authority to answer any questions in regard to policy, would it be in order to put such questions to the Prime Minister?

Mr. Speaker

I could not give a general or hypothetical ruling about what Questions should be addressed anywhere. If the hon. and learned Gentleman submits the Question, he will be told the answer to the question which he has now put to me.