HC Deb 29 July 1965 vol 717 cc669-70
24. Mr. Freeson

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to stop the sale of arms to Peru.

Mr. Jay

No, Sir.

Mr. Freeson

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that it would be of assistance to the reformist Government established in Peru if we were to seek to replace this kind of trade with trade which would be of greater assistance to the economic development in this territory, as indeed applies in other territories in this part of the world?

Mr. Jay

I am all in favour of peaceful trade with Peru, but I am not satisfied that there is a case for the ban which my hon. Friend is arguing for.

Mr. A. Royle

Will the right hon. Gentleman resist pressure from his hon. Friends for this sort of ban? Is he aware that we have traded very successfully with Peru for many years and that it is very important that these friendly relations should continue?

Mr. Jay

I will resist pressure from both sides of the House as necessary.