Libya

HC Deb 04 February 1970 vol 795 cc397-9

37. Mr. Henig

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the value of military installations and supplies being left behind in Libya; and what proportion is being paid for by the Libyan Government.

50. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the original cost and present value of British equipment, stores and installations in Libya; what proportion will be left; and on what financial terms.

Mr. Healey

Much of the permanent accommodation occupied by British forces in Libya was Italian-built, and I regret that I cannot give an original cost figure. British investment since 1953 including non-permanent buildings has been about £3.6 million. We are withdrawing all those non-permanent buildings which can be economically dismantled; permanent buildings will revert to Libya under treaty arrangements.

We also intend to withdraw all equipment and stores apart perhaps from some non-warlike stores, the recovery of which is not essential and which will be offered for sale to the Libyan Government and on the open market. The programme for withdrawal is going well.

Mr. Henig

That is a most satisfactory Answer. But could my right hon. Friend say, if all these decisions have been made, precisely what is the object of the talks apparently going on between this country and Libya, which have been said in the Press to be about further defence arrangements? Does that mean that the British Government would like, if it can be agreed in these talks, to sell further weapons to Libya? If so, what weapons will they be, and will the House be informed before any agreement emerges?

Mr. Healey

That is a totally different question, and it was dealt with in Answers by my right hon. Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary on Monday.

Mr. Shinwell

But, as it happens, a bargain is being made with the Libyan Government. There is a deal on. Should not we have all the information about this arrangement with the Libyan Government? Is it so simple—leaving some equipment behind, taking some equipment away—that it does not cost Great Britain a great deal? Does my right hon. Friend agree that we are entitled to more information about these negotiations.

Mr. Healey

It is never the custom to give information about negotiations while they are going on, but when they are concluded such information as can properly be given to the House will be given to the House.

Mr. Shinwell

Too late.

Sir G. Nabarro

Is it not a fact that in this instance there are quite extraordinary circumstances, that the Libyan Government were guilty of a breach of their agreement with us and, after such breach, of handing over all the former British contracts for defence equipment to the French?

Mr. Healey

With respect, that is not a question for me.

Sir G. Nabarro

It is true, whether it is a question for the right hon. Gentleman or not.