§ 3.44 p.m.
§ THE EARL OF SELKIRKMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government whether it is the policy of the Government to prohibit the export to Eastern Europe of equipment which could be used in the manufacture of atomic weapons.]
§ LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTHMy Lords, the answer to the noble Earl's Question is, Yes.
§ THE EARL OF SELKIRKMy Lords, I am very grateful for the answer which has been given, and I am glad to note the unqualified terms in which it is made. Can the noble Lord give an assurance that in this matter we are working in the closest harmony and co-operation with our friends in the North American Continent, particularly in the field of medium and high vacuum equipment, and whether it is with their full agreement that export licences are still being issued for this equipment?
§ LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTHMy Lords, the answer to the noble Earl's first supplementary question is again, Yes. The answer to the noble Earl's second supplementary question is also, Yes, because we are watching very carefully the export of the type of equipment to which he has referred.
§ THE EARL OF SELKIRKMay I ask whether export licences are still granted?
§ LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTHMy Lords, I cannot add anything to the answer I have already given, that the ex-port is watched very carefully.