HC Deb 20 November 1972 vol 846 c900
17. Mr. Kaufman

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek to make an official visit to Libya.

Lord Balniel

My right hon. Friend has no plans at present to make an official visit to Libya.

Mr. Kaufman

In further communications with the Libyan Government will the right hon. Gentleman tell them that all British arms supplies to them will cease until such time as the Libyan Government abandon their publicly-stated policy of being a haven for known murderers and hijackers? Will the noble Lord also take this opportunity of dissociating Her Majesty's Government from the cynical view which may be held in some quarters that Libyan oil is a fair exchange for innocent lives?

Lord Balniel

I do not think that the suggestions made by the hon. Gentleman will have any influence on the policy of Libya.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

May we be sure that no arms will be transferred to Libya of a kind which Colonel Gadafi might transfer to his friends in the IRA?

Lord Balniel

Any arms sold to Libya will include provision to ensure that they were not transferred to the IRA.