HC Deb 25 June 1969 vol 785 cc1490-1
22. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has considered the recent South African defence programme, details of which have been sent to him; and whether he will seek to secure a substantial proportion of the orders arising from this programme for British companies.

Mr. John Morris

As the right hon. Member will know, our policy on the export of arms to South Africa is in line with the resolution of the United Nations Security Council in 1964.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

As what is now involved is a major rearmament programme, involving valuable orders for many years, will not the Government reconsider the matter? Can the hon. Gentleman tell the House what useful purpose is served by denying employment and orders to British shipyards and factories when our colleagues in the United Nations are only too glad to supply them?

Mr. Morris

Her Majesty's Government have no intention of changing their policy, which is in compliance with the United Nations resolution.

Mr. Molloy

Will my hon. Friend also take note of the fact that honour and decency are involved—[Interruption.] I know that hon. Members opposite do not understand that. Will my hon. Friend remember that we are talking of a country which embraces many of the evil and repugnant features of the former German Third Reich, that our early attitude to that country was a mistake? The Tories are making the same mistake again. I hope that we shall not follow their example.

Mr. Rippon

Will the hon. Gentleman answer my right hon. Friend's Question? What is the purpose of the Government's futile and stupid policy?

Mr. Morris

The right hon. and learned Gentleman is entitled to express himself in whatever way he wishes. What we have decided is in accordance with

The overall strengths, including officers, other ranks, young soldiers/airmen, boys and women of each of the services separately, on 1st April, 1964 and 1st April, 1969 are as follows:—
Royal Navy Royal Marines Army R.A.F. Total
As at 1st April, 1964 … … 88,290 9,344 189,418 136,061 423,113
As at 1st April, 1969 … … 81,596 8,588 178,526 113,954 382,664
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