§ 16. Mr. Wyattasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what agreement has now been reached with the Cuban Government as to the supply of military aircraft and other weapons.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydNo agreement has been reached with the Cuban Government in regard to the supply of military aircraft or other weapons. The Cuban Government have asked the Hawker Aircraft Company to exchange the seventeen Sea-Fury aircraft now owned by Cuba for an equivalent number of Hawker Hunters. Approval of the necessary export licence is under consideration.
§ Mr. WyattIs the Government's reluctance to supply the Cuban Government with military aircraft due to pressure from America? Is the Minister aware that Her Majesty's Government's reluctance to give the new Cuban Government weapons compares very unfavourably in the Cuban mind with the alacrity with which they gave the old régime weapons?
§ Mr. LloydI can assure the hon. Member—I am very glad to see him back in the house again; he has questioned me many times in the past—that all relevant factors will be taken into consideration, including his support for the suggestion that we should license this export.