HC Deb 13 December 1961 vol 651 cc444-5
38 and 39. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) what facilities have been given to the military mission from Spain, headed by Colonel Joaquin Lopez, to visit the fighting vehicles development establishment at Chobham, Surrey;

(2) what assistance has been given by Her Majesty's Government to the military mission from Spain, headed by Colonel Joaquin Lopez, to enable them to visit the Rolls-Royce, Daimler and Alvis works; what is the purpose of these visits; and what undertakings have been given that licences for the export of military vehicles to Spain will be issued.

Mr. Profumo

A party of Spanish officers was invited by the firms concerned to visit their works. My Department co-operated with the firms in arranging the visit, which was timed to coincide with the demonstration of weapons and equipment held in October at the Fighting Vehicles Research and Development Establishment at Chobham. No special facilities were given to the party. 'The question of export licences has not arisen.

Mr. Brockway

Did the right hon. Gentleman hear the previous Questions and Answers about the joint naval manoeuvres? Is this another indication that Her Majesty's Government will now pursue a policy of military and naval alliance with a country which is Fascist, which represses liberties, and denies all the democratic ideas for which this country stands?

Mr. Profumo

I do not think that even the hon. Member has any justification for drawing that conclusion from the Answer to his specific Questions. Even the hon. Member himself would have been welcome at this demonstration.

Mr. Awbery

In view of the fact that there are several Questions on the Order Paper dealing with a naval and military agreement between Spain and this country, may I ask whether any pact or agreement has been made between us, openly or covertly, that will lead us to some such agreement?

Mr. Profumo

That is a wider question and the hon. Member should put it on the Order Paper.