HC Deb 13 February 1979 vol 962 cc947-8
12. Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had concerning the export of arms.

Dr. Gilbert

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has frequent discussions with a wide variety of individuals, firms, organisations and representatives of foreign Governments about the export of arms.

Mr. Jenkins

I have no doubt about that. But does not my right hon. Friend have discussions with the Foreign Office? Is it not the Foreign Office which makes the final decision? Was not the instability of the regime in Iran known by the Foreign Office at least a year ago? Why does my right hon. Friend persist in these sales when he and the Foreign Office should have known long ago that the regime was tottering?

Dr. Gilbert

Many considerations are taken into account in any request for the export of defence equipment. We examine security, financial considerations, and political considerations, which primarily are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary.

Mr. Adley

Will the Minister consider following the doctrine of the late Mao Tse-tung that "My enemy's enemy is my friend"? When the question of the price of the Harrier to the Chinese Government arises, will the Minister take into account the strategic advantage to the West of having the Chinese in a position to defend themselves on their border with the Soviet Union?

Dr. Gilbert

It has been made clear from this Dispatch Box on many occasions that we are prepared to entertain applications for the export of defensive equipment—and I emphasise the word "defensive"—to China.

Mr. Frank Allaun

Have not both the American and German Governments refused to export arms to China, although they have secured huge non-military contracts? Why cannot we do the same? I refer specifically to the Harrier.

Dr. Gilbert

I am not aware that an announcement has been made by the German Government. I am not saying that it has not, because I know that my hon. Friend is well informed about these matters. The Prime Minister has made it absolutely clear that we do not intend to be solely an exporter of arms equipment to China and that any sale of arms to China must be part of a balanced package and include a major proportion of civil equipment.

Mr. Pattie

Can the Minister confirm that the Government will continue to support new projects such as the type 24 frigate which will be of interest to our own Services as well as having considerable export potential?

Dr. Gilbert

The question of the type 24 frigate is under consideration. I cannot say more than that. I am sure that the hon. Member will appreciate that.