§ 16. Sir William van Straubenzeeasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he proposes to discuss with the Malaysian Government the possibility of the sale of British tanks to that country.
§ Mr. PattieWe have had discussions with the Malaysian Government on their requirements for armoured fighting vehicles and these discussions continue. We are fully prepared to help in their defence equipment programme.
§ Sir William van StraubenzeeI appreciate the necessity for discretion in discussing individual contracts, but if it were possible for contractual arrangements to be resumed in dealing with armoured fighting vehicles and tanks, would this not be a welcome relaxation of the informal ban imposed by the Malaysian Government?
§ Mr. PattieI agree with my hon. Friend that that would be the case, but, as he knows, it is not our practice to disclose the details of contracts if it is the wish of the foreign Government that we should not do so.