HC Deb 18 February 1959 vol 600 cc358-9
31. Mr. Fernyhough

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the value of the recent gift of 655 tons of arms made to the Sudan by Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. R. Allan

This was the first consignment of a gift, the total value of which is £587,000.

Mr. Fernyhough

Does the hon. Member think that we are contributing to the peace of the Middle East by continuing to pour in arms? Is not it time that Her Majesty's Government learned the lesson from past events and began to pursue a policy which would bring pacification to the area rather than aggravate the situation?

Mr. Allan

These countries require arms. I think that it is preferable in the interests of peace that they are supplied from this country rather than others.