§ 37. Mr. Martenasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether, in future exports of arms to Australia, he will make it a condition of contract that, where relevant, he is supplied with reports on their effectiveness in operational conditions in Vietnam.
§ Mr. MartenDoes not the Minister recall that he told the House in a Written Answer on 9th November that we do not lay down conditions about the use of arms which are exported to Australia? Can he tell the House which British arms are being used in Vietnam? Could not he think again about getting these essential operational reports on their performance?
§ Mr. MasonThe hon. Gentleman knows from his experience in Ministerial office that we cannot lay down conditions 421 as he suggests. It may be that some British equipment is in Vietnam, but it could have been sold to Australia many years ago.
§ Mr. John LeeCan my hon. Friend say whether any British arms are being used by the Australian forces in Vietnam?
§ Mr. MasonI cannot honestly say. How can I? I do not make an inquiry why the Australians are using certain equipment in a theatre of war. It is not my business.