HC Deb 21 June 1971 vol 819 cc982-4
25. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further requests have been made for armaments by the South African Government.

58. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent communications he has received from the South African Government on the future supply of maritime arms for the defence of the Cape route.

Mr. Godber

The South African Government have informed us of their general requirements for re-equipment. They have placed no new orders with the United Kingdom, and Her Majesty's Government have entered into no further commitments.

Mr. Hamilton

Can the right hon. Gentleman go further and say that within-the terms of the White Paper on the Simonstown Agreement the Government have no legal right, certainly no moral right, to enter into any further discussions about sales of armaments other than the helicopters mentioned in the White Paper? Will he give an undertaking that if the Government should be so ill-advised as to enter into discussions on sales they will notify this House beforehand?

Mr. Godber

We discussed this exhaustively during the White Paper debate and I do not think I can add anything to what was said then. The legal position is spelt out there in great detail, and my right hon. Friend and I have explained precisely what the position is. There has been no change in the situation.

Mr. Healey

Can the right hon Gentleman tell the House when the Government propose to announce a decision on the list of requirements they have received from the South African Government? Secondly, can he tell the House whether Mr. Botha, during his recent visit, pursued the inquiries already made by the South African High Commissioner regarding the possible supply of frigates from this country for the South African Government?

Mr. Godber

I can add nothing to what I have told the House in that there are no orders before us at present. If any orders are put forward, then obviously we shall be considering export licences and that would be the occasion on which we would notify the House.

Mr. Healey

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of my supplementary question; namely, whether Mr. Botha pursued the inquiries already made by the South African High Com missioner about supplying frigates from this country and what reply was made by Her Majesty's Government?

Mr. Godber

I was going on to answer the second part, but the right hon. Gentleman rose so hurriedly that I thought he wished to interrupt me on the first part. It is not customary to disclose what happened in confidential discussions and, therefore, I cannot comment on the visit of Mr. Botha. I have said that if orders were placed the House would be informed. That remains the position.