HC Deb 27 June 1961 vol 643 c193
31. Mr. Brockway

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will refrain from granting licences for the sale of arms destined to be used against national liberation movements in Angola and Mozambique.

Mr. N. Macpherson

Applications for licences will continue to be considered in accordance with the procedure and policy indicated in the reply which I gave to the Question by the hon. Member for Cardiff, South-East (Mr. Callaghan) on 20th June, but applications to supply military equipment to Portuguese overseas territories are at present in suspense.

Mr. Brockway

While welcoming the latter part of the hon. Gentleman's reply, may I ask if he can confirm that General Pina, the Chief of Staff of the Portuguese Army, was in London this month to negotiate a sale of arms? Can he say whether arms have been licensed to Portugal? How is it going to be possible to impose restrictions to prevent them being used in connection with the policy of the Portuguese Government in Angola?

Mr. Macpherson

This matter comes to my Department when applications are made for licences. I am not aware of the matter to which the hon. Gentleman has referred, and I am unable to confirm what he has said.

Back to