HC Deb 22 January 1964 vol 687 cc1058-9
6. Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for War how many contracts for the supply of arms to South Africa still exist; how many of them relate to spare parts for Saracen armoured vehicles; when these contracts were made; and when they end.

Mr. Ramsden

It is not the practice to disclose information about arms supplied to other countries, but as regards Saracen spares my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister indicated on 19th December, 1963, that we intend to complete the present contract but not to make new ones.

Mr. Hamilton

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when that contract will expire? Can he repeat the assurance that no further contracts will be entered into? Can he tell us whether the South African Government has been informed and can he say what consultations his Department has had with the Prime Minister as British capital, I.C.I, capital, is being used to build small arms factories in South Africa where, among other things, tear gas is being manufacfactured which can be used only for internal purposes?

Mr. Ramsden

The last part of that supplementary question is another question. The quantity involved is small and the contract will end when delivery of the outstanding order is complete, which will not be long.

Mr. Paget

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that Saracen troop carriers in the South African context are almost certain to be used almost wholly exclusively in internal disturbances? Is not this the sort of arms which the United Nations has asked us not to supply?

Mr. Ramsden

I cannot necessarily accept what the hon. and learned Gentleman has said. The policy in this matter is well understood and is governed by the broad distinction between arms which would enable the policy of apartheid to be enforced and those which any country would be likely to need for its own defence. This distinction works in practice.