HC Deb 25 November 1975 vol 901 cc642-4
4. Mr. Onslow

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his visit to Iran.

The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Roy Mason)

I visited Iran two weeks ago at the invitation of the Iranian Minister of War. During the visit I had discussions with the Shah, the Iranian Prime Minister and other Ministers and Service chiefs, on a wide range of subjects of mutual interest. I also met British Service personnel who help train the Iranian armed forces.

Mr. Onslow

Will the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that he was able to give the Iranian Government a promise of the British Government's full co-operation with Iran in its desire to equip itself against possible aggression? Specifically, will he confirm that he gave positive backing to the Vosper Thorneycroft Harrier-carrier project, in which the Iranian Government is interested? Will he also confirm that there is no understanding with the American Government which might inhibit Vickers from competing for the Iranian submarine order, with the result that the business might land in the lap of the French, instead? The importance of this, politically and industrially, in terms of defence sales in Iran and elsewhere, is such that many people believe that the confidentiality which has applied hitherto is no longer applicable.

Mr. Mason

I am not prepared to break the confidentiality that exists between the Government, our defence sales organisation, and the overseas customers with whom we make defence contracts. It is at their request that confidentiality remains. I discussed equipment matters with the Shah of Iran and his Chiefs of Defence Staffs. They are expressing an interest—I put it no higher than that—in the Harrier-carrier.

Mr. Newens

Did my right hon. Friend discuss the deplorable use of Iranian troops, together with British troops, to suppress a genuine national liberation movement in Oman? Did he make any representations or have discussions about the necessity to withdraw these troops and allow the people of Oman to decide their affairs for themselves?

Mr. Mason

We are members of CENTO, and so is Iran. We have a responsibility to maintain stability in the Gulf. Iran, Jordan and ourselves are playing a part in the Dhofar, with a view to stemming the rebels crossing the South Yemen frontier to cause disruptions in the Gulf.

Mr. Peter Walker

Did the right hon. Gentleman give the Iranian Government any indication whether there would be further cuts in British defence expenditure? If not, will he give us such an indication?

Mr. Mason

I did not give such an indication there; neither can I give it here. That exercise is not far enough down the road for me to give the House any information.