§ 14. Mr. Shinwellasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will instruct the United Kingdom representative on the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Council to inquire what weapons are in the possession of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation which were transferred by the United States to North Atlantic Treaty Organisation countries in Europe at the close of the last war; by what means they are being maintained; and what armament firms are providing them with spare parts.
§ Mr. ShinwellWhy not? Why this tenderness for the feelings of these monopolistic firms who conduct these operations which are confined to the United States? Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that these firms only are entrusted with the task of maintenance of the weapons, spare parts and the rest which are associated with N.A.T.O.? Why should we not have a look at it in a matter of this sort?
§ Mr. HeathI was not aware of the purpose of the Question. It is not out of tenderness for anybody that I gave the Answer that I did. It is recognised in N.A.T.O. that the procurement of weapons and maintenance is a matter for the national Governments, not N.A.T.O. Therefore, if we are to obtain such information—which is a very large exercise indeed—it is not a matter for N.A.T.O. to carry out.
§ Mr. ShinwellWould the right hon. Gentleman make some inquiry about this? Is he aware that British firms are excluded from undertaking the task of maintenance? Why should this be so?
§ Mr. HeathIf the right hon. Gentleman will let me have any information he has I will gladly look into it.
§ Mr. ShinwellI will send it.