§ 7. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Minister of Technology why he vetoed the export of Nimrod maritime aircraft to South Africa; and what was the value of this order.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuOur policy on the supply of defence equipment generally to South Africa is in line with the Security Council Resolution of 18th June, 1964, and remains unchanged.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterDoes the hon. Gentleman appreciate that this is a maritime reconnaissance aircraft which has nothing to do with aggression but everything to do with control of the seas, in which we have a common interest with South Africa? What useful purpose is served simply by ensuring that South Africa gets her supply of such aircraft from other members of the United Nations?
§ Mr. MallalieuThe United Nations Resolution to which I referred, and to which the previous Government subscribed, makes no distinction whatever between arms for internal use and for external use.
§ Mr. CorfieldIs it not time that Her Majesty's Government faced up to the fact that friendly relations with countries owning the eastern seaboard of the Atlantic are vital to the interests of the country? Is it not clear that if it were not for Her Majesty's Government's attitude to arms of this sort the Union of South Africa would be very willing to play its part in the protection of sea routes which are so vital to us?
§ Mr. MallalieuThese considerations were fully borne in mind when the policy was decided, and were fully debated and explained in the House by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 18th December, 1967.