HC Deb 06 July 1966 vol 731 cc414-5
22. Mr. McMaster

asked the Minister of Aviation whether Her Majesty's Government will now permit the sale of British manufactured aero-engines and civil aircraft, respectively, to Indonesia; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mulley

Applications for export licences to supply British civil aircraft and engines to Indonesia will be considered on their merits.

Mr. McMaster

Will the right hon. Gentleman now agree to lift the ban on the sale of the Skyvan aircraft to Indonesia?

Mr. Mulley

If an application is made for the sale of Skyvans, it will be considered on its merits, as I have said. As well as the political aspect, there are also the financial aspects to be considered in a sale of that kind.

Mr. Henry Clark

Will the right hon. Gentleman have consultations with his colleague, the Minister of Overseas Development, to ensure that the £1 million that we have just given to Indonesia is not spent on buying foreign aircraft which are only equivalent to those available in this country?

Mr. Mulley

The control of the £1 million is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, who referred to the matter in his statement on Monday. Further questions about that should be addressed to him. In principle, I would not think it right that that loan should be tied to specific purchases of aircraft.