HC Deb 17 March 1965 vol 708 cc1252-3
8. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Aviation what inquiries have been made by the Government of South Africa regarding the purchase of Bloodhound missiles.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

It is not the practice to disclose details of such enquiries.

Mr. Wall

Is it not a fact that a letter of intent to order the Bloodhound was sent and a deposit paid? Is it not equally the fact that this is a wholly defensive weapon? Was it not the Government who caused the cancellation of this £20 million order through their rather strange political ideas about South Africa?

Mr. Jenkins

No contract was placed Our "strange political ideas", as explained by the Prime Minister, were the result of a desire to come into line with a United Nations resolution which made it essential for us to take the action that we did.

Mr. Wall

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain to the people involved that this has cost them £150 million worth of orders?

Mr. Jenkins

I would prefer that the hon. Gentleman gave his own explanations.