HC Deb 18 November 1957 vol 578 cc28-9
46. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Prime Minister to what extent he discussed with President Eisenhower the question of a common policy in relation to the export of arms to the Middle East and North Africa.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department and Lord Privy Seal (Mr. R. A. Butler)

I have been asked to reply.

My right hon. Friend has already given the House a full account of his discussions with President Eisenhower. He does not consider that it would be appropriate to go further into details of particular topics that were or were not discussed.

Mr. Hughes

Could the Lord Privy Seal tell us if the question of the export of arms to North Africa was at any time the subject of the conversations, and if anybody took into consideration the effect it would have on France?

Mr. Butler

As my right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary is making a statement about the supply of arms to Tunisia at the end of Questions, I would ask the hon. Member and the House to await it.