§ 52. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in supplying arms to South Africa in accordance with the terms of the Simonstown Agreement.
§ Mr. GodberThe contract for the supply of seven Wasp helicopters has now been signed.
§ Mr. HamiltonThat answer will not be received with any great excitement on this side of the House. Will the hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that no further orders will be fulfilled by British manufacturers? Furthermore, does the contract for seven helicopters completely fulfil our obligations under the Simonstown Agreement?
§ Mr. GodberThe position was fully set Out in the debate last February, and I do not think I need add anything more. The position of Her Majesty's Government was reserved in regard to further orders, if we chose to consider them, but we said that we would notify the House if we did so. The position is precisely as I stated it. The order for seven helicopters stands and no other orders have been placed.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergHow many jobs will be provided in fulfilment of this contract?
§ Mr. GodberI cannot give the exact number, but this will obviously be a useful help in the employment situation.