§ 22. Mr. Winnickasked the Secretary of State for Defence what instructions have been given to Mr. Brown, the recently appointed arms salesman, regarding sales of arms to the South African authorities.
§ Mr. HealeyThe appointment of Mr. Raymond Brown as head of defence sales implies no change in the Government's policy regarding sales of arms to South Africa. He has, of course, been informed what that policy is.
§ Mr. WinnickDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that there is a danger of the arms sold to one country finding their way to South Africa? Does he not recognise this danger? Does it not prove that even the appointment of an arms salesman is wrong in all possible directions?
§ Mr. HealeyNo. With respect to my hon. Friend, I think that it proves exactly the opposite. It proves that it is desirable for the Government to exercise more political control of the sale of arms by this country to other countries.
§ Sir Ian Orr-EwingWill the right hon. Gentleman publish from time to time a list of countries—perhaps Portugal, Spain and others—in respect of which the Labour Government do not agree with the régime s in power with the result, presumably, that the terms of reference of this arms salesman prevent him from selling arms to those countries? The House is entitled to a list of those countries so that we may know where he may sell and where he may not sell.
§ Mr. HealeyThe House has already been informed of those countries in respect of which we wish to impose restrictions in the sale of British arms.
§ Mr. Ian LloydIs it not fatuous to deny the sale of shotguns and Ferret scoutcars to a country which is at least thought to be on the verge of developing its own nuclear capability?
§ Mr. HealeyIf the hon. Member reflects, he will not think it wise or right for this country to fly in the face of resolutions of the United Nations Assembly on this matter. I hope that he will not press us to do so.