§ Q2. Mr. Dribergasked the Prime Minister what types of arms and equipment are now being exported to Portugal because they are suitable only for use in the fulfilment of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation obligations.
§ The Prime MinisterAs the House has recently been reminded, it has been the practice of successive Governments not to reveal details of arms supplied to other Governments.
§ Mr. DribergIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Quest ion arises out 600 of an assurance given to the House recently on behalf of the Government? Without detailing the equipment, can the right hon. Gentleman really assure us that there is no item of arms or equipment which could be used both for N.A.T.O. purposes and in Angola?
§ The Prime MinisterThere are, of course, many types of equipment. We are trying to operate this in such a way as to carry out the undertaking given to the House.
§ Mr. DugdaleWill the Prime Minister say what method there is of discovering that a weapon which could be used to kill the enemies of N.A.T.O. could not be used to kill Africans in Angola?
§ The Prime MinisterMay I take, as an example, the two frigates which have just been sold?
§ Mr. GaitskellWould it not be both simpler and more honest to follow the example of the Norwegian Government and ban the export of arms and ammunition to Portugal?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I have made a statement to the House and I should like to assure the House that we are carrying it out in the way I said.
§ The Prime MinisterI should like notice of that question and whether they have ever been asked for or delivered.