HL Deb 24 June 1969 vol 303 cc75-6
LORD NAPIER AND ETTRICK

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the present position regarding the sale both of Beagle aircraft and Marconi radar equipment to the Republic of South Africa.]

LORD KENNET

My Lords, any applications to export defence equipment to South Africa would be examined by the Government in the light of our stated policy. Both Beagle Aircraft and the Marconi Company make civilian equipment as well as defence equipment.

LORD NAPIER AND ETTRICK

My Lords. while thanking the noble Lord for that reply, may I ask him this question? It was reported not long ago that His Excellency the South African Ambassador had commented in South Africa that there had recently been better understanding by Her Majesty's Government concerning the arms embargo against South Africa. Is there any truth in that statement?

LORD KENNET

My Lords, I think the terms of the United Nations' embargo on the sale of arms to the South African Government are fairly clear, and I conceive that Her Majesty's Government have understood them well since they assumed office.