HC Deb 08 November 1967 vol 753 cc1008-9
11. Mr. Marten

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the total value of arms sales to the Republic of South Africa in the last 12 months.

The Minister of Defence for Equipment (Mr. Roy Mason)

As the Prime Minister reminded the hon. Member on 28th July, 1966, it is a long-standing and necessary convention that details of arms sales to individual countries are not disclosed.—[Vol. 732, c. 1890.]

Mr. Marten

Can the Minister say whether the South Africans have requested certain British military equipment and, if so, whether the Government are now considering that request?

Mr. Mason

I cannot reveal what requests are made by individual Governments to us for arms sales. All I can say is that the embargo that was placed on arms to South Africa still stands.

Mr. Faulds

Can my hon. Friend assure the House that there is no substance in reports that the Government are considering lifting their embargo and supplying certain types of military equipment to South Africa?

Mr. Mason

This question is bound to come up time and time again. We are always pressed to comment on the question whether we are considering our policy afresh. I reiterate that at this moment we stand by the United Nations Resolution of 18th June, 1964, which banned all arms to South Africa.