§ 20. Mr. Callaghanasked the Board of Trade when a licence was issued to send three tons of small arms ammunition aboard the cargo liner "Trevalgan" to Laurenco Marques, Mozambique.
§ Mr. MaudlingNo licence was issued for three tons of small arms ammunition. The vessel's cargo included two consignments of shotgun cartridges weighing in total less than one ton, destined for Southern Rhodesia, and covered by export licences issued in March and April.
§ Mr. CallaghanThis information has been published in Central Africa and has caused considerable revulsion against the policy of Her Majesty's Government. May I take it that no licences will be issued for the export of arms to Angola or Mozambique?
§ Mr. MaudlingThat is quite a different question. I was dealing with a specific case and I have given the information for which I was asked.
§ Mr. CallaghanAm I not entitled to ask the Minister whether he will tell us what is the Government's policy in relation to the export of arms in view of the consternation which is being caused in Africa, where it is alleged, and has been published in the Press, that Her Majesty's Government are issuing licences?
§ Mr. C. OsbornePut the Question on the Order Paper.
§ Mr. MaudlingI am grateful to the hon. Member for the opportunity which he has given me to deny these false stories. If he will put a Question down on the Order Paper about the other point I shall be happy to give him an answer.