§ 20. Mr. Alexander W. Lyonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has now received requests for the issue of licences to supply arms to South Africa.
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeNo requests for licences relating to any new arms deal with South Africa have been received. However, as I told the House on 22nd February, we are continuing the practice of the previous Administration in licensing the export of certain spare parts.—[Vol. 812, c. 34–42.]
§ Mr. LyonDoes that mean that no applications for licences for the Westland helicopters have yet been received? Is it right that because of the doubt which still exists over the Government's future policy, in Zambia, for instance, Marconi has lost a valuable contract? Does this also apply to Nigeria? Have we lost important contracts there?
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeNo request for licences for the helicopters has yet been received. I am not aware that we have lost important contracts because of any doubt about our South African arms policy. These questions should be treated on their merits, irrespective of what future policy might be.
§ Mr. Hugh JenkinsFrom the answer of the right hon. Gentleman, can it be taken that no discussions are taking place 878 with a view to any extension of arms sales to South Africa? Can we read that into the answer?
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeThe hon. Gentleman can put his own interpretation on my answer. What would happen if the South African Government wanted to place orders for arms would be that it would make a request for licences. No such request has been received.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIf there is any blackmail from any Government, as the hon. Member has suggested—and I do not know whether that is the case—may all aid be stopped at once?
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeI am not anxious to link our aid programme with political issues. We must try to avoid that if possible.