§ 3.4 p.m.
§ LORD BARNBYMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will state the terms of payment agreed upon for recently reported sales of arms to Tunisia.]
THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (THE EARL OF GOSFORD)My Lords, the agreed terms of the sale of arms to Tunisia were for payment to be made in sterling on presentation of the account.
§ VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLSBOROUGHMy Lords, may I ask when we are likely to have any statement given to Parliament as to the progress of the negotiations taking place? Obviously, matters of great seriousness have arisen between our country and our Allies across the Channel, and there is a great deal of public anxiety. How soon can Parliament have an opportunity of dealing with it?
THE EARL OF HOMEMy Lords, I think the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary are still in Paris. As soon as they return, and as soon as I have any information, perhaps I can get in touch with the noble Viscount and we will arrange for a suitable Question to be put down.