§ Q12. Mr. Burdenasked the Prime Minister if it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to permit the supply of Buccaneer aircraft to Israel.
§ The Prime MinisterHer Majesty's Government have not been asked to supply Israel with Buccaneers.
§ Mr. BurdenIs it not generally accepted that the Israeli Government are interested in purchasing these aircraft? In view of the fact that they would certainly not use them for internal security, will he give consideration to any approaches that they may make on this question or on other British arms?
§ The Prime MinisterIf this question, so far hypothetical, became a reality, it would raise some difficult issues. I am sure that the House will be aware of our desire to avoid an arms race in the Middle East. Although we feel that the arms balance in the Middle East has been severely affected by the shipments made by other countries, we do not want to stimulate a fresh round of shipments by any action of this kind.
§ Mr. BurdenDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that Israel is a small, isolated country, and that her intentions are not aggressive? Would it not be in the interest of peace in general to ensure that such countries have the arms with which to protect themselves? Would not it be in sympathy with the general attitude of this country to countries of that type, namely, to assist them in preserving their independence?
§ The Prime MinisterThe whole House will probably be as concerned as the hon. Member is to ensure that everything necessary is done to preserve the independence of Israel and that we should do everything in our power—which is not easy—to damp down the causes of tension in that area. As for arms, the solution must lie—I do not pretend it is easy—in getting international agreement to stop competitive shipments of arms to Middle Eastern countries and to work as quickly as possible to secure a nonnuclear zone in that area to prevent what is already a dangerous arms situation becoming worse by becoming nuclear.