HC Deb 03 July 1973 vol 859 cc231-3
5. Mr. Evelyn King

asked the Minister of State for Defence what obligations were assumed by the Royal Navy in relation to training a Libyan crew at Portland, following the sale of a warship to Libya; whether he is satisfied that Libyan crews are treating Portland instructing staff with courtesy; if he is satisfied that each side is fulfilling those obligations: and if he will make a statement.

The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Navy (Mr. Antony Buck)

The Royal Navy is providing facilities on repayment to help in the training of the Libyan naval crew. Such facilities are provided for many countries which purchase warships in the United Kingdom. As I said on 13th June, we have investigated reports of difficulties between the Libyans and the Royal Navy instructors and have discovered no foundation for them.—[Vol. 857, c. 334.]

Mr. King

In the light of conflicting reports, may I thank my hon. Friend for the reassurance which he gave in the latter part of his answer? Is it not a fact that for 15 years highly-trained naval personnel at Portland have trained foreign navies to which we have sold warships? Have they not made an immense and valuable contribution to the export trade, and should we not pay tribute to them?

Mr. Buck

I am grateful for what my hon. Friend has said. I endorse what he has said relating to the work which is done by the Flag Officer, Sea Training, and those employed with him.

Mr. Judd

In view of Colonel Gadaffi's extreme statements from time to time, not least his declared support for the IRA, will the hon. Gentleman accept that there are problems and difficulties in the relationship which need to be watched carefully? Will he undertake that he will keep the whole situation under the closest possible scrutiny?

Mr. Buck

I can give the hon. Gentleman that assurance. Similarly my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs keeps the whole matter under close scrutiny.

16. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Minister of State for Defence why warships are being built in the United Kingdom for Libya.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

No warships for Libya are currently under construction in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Does that mean that no warships are in future to be built for Libya bearing in mind that Colonel Gadaffi is aggressive in at least two directions, as witness his support of the IRA? May we understand that such warships as have been built for Libya are not likely to upset the Arab/Israeli balance and make a new conflict more likely?

Mr. Gilmour

The warship to which my hon. Friend refers was ordered in 1967 and agreed to by the then Government, no doubt for good reasons. I have no reason to believe that it will upset the balance of power. I cannot answer a hypothetical question about future orders. We have taken steps to ensure that no military equipment which could conceivably be of use to the IRA is shipped to Libya, but it is not judged that a frigate comes into that category.