§ 23. Mr. Brockwayasked the President of the Board of Trade what licences have been issued for the provision of combat aircraft to the Government of the Republic of South Africa.
§ Mr. GreenIt is not the practice to disclose details of export Licences for the supply of defence equipment to other Governments.
§ Mr. BrockwayWhy maintain this pretence? Has not the Press widely published the fact of the issue of licences running to millions of pounds for a large number of combat aircraft for the Republic of South Africa? Has not the United Kingdom representative in the United Nations admitted it? Why the secrecy in the House? Is it because the hon. Gentleman knows of the indignation which will be felt in the House if the Republican Government of South Africa is provided with aircraft which could be used against the African people?
§ Mr. GreenA question of that sort, which would appear to involve matters of foreign policy, should be referred to my noble Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.