Libya

HC Deb 02 March 1970 vol 797 cc21-2

7. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what treaty obligations involving the provision of British military assistance still remain in force between the United Kingdom and Libya.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Evan Luard)

Discussions are in progress on the termination of the Treaty of Friendship and Alliance between the United Kingdom and Libya of 1953, consequent upon the Libyan request for, and our agreement to, the withdrawal of British forces from Libya. These discussions form part of our continuing negotiations with the Libyan Government.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Does the Joint Under-Secretary of State recall that on 2nd February the Foreign Secretary stated that a defence agreement was still in force, whereas on 4th February the Secretary of State for Defence said that a defence agreement was not in force? What exactly is the position, what exactly was the position, and are we to understand that while these negotiations are going on the defence agreement still operates?

Mr. Luard

The Libyan Government have themselves declared that they regard the treaty as at an end. That disposes of the question of our present obligations. But there are continuing discussions about our future relationship with Libya which are still in progress.

Mr. Lipton

How much British taxpayers' money has been spent in Libya since the war, and what have we to show for it now?

Mr. Luard

I would require notice of that question.

Mr. Wood

May I press the Under-Secretary of State a little further? Is my hon. Friend the Member for Chigwell (Mr. Biggs-Davison) right in assuming from the Foreign Secretary's reply of 2nd February that we still have a commitment, or from the reply of the Secretary of State for Defence on 4th February that the commitment is at an end?

Mr. Luard

I have already said that the Libyan Government themselves have said that they regard the treaty as at an end. As the right hon. Gentleman will know, our forces will be completely withdrawn from Libya within three or four weeks from now. I think that that answers his question.