§ 3.13 p.m.
§ LORD FRASER OF LONSDALEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they provide or sell police arms to Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland; and, if so, what what was the value thereof during a convenient recent period, and by what route were these supplies delivered.]
§ LORD CHALFONTMy Lords, Her Majesty's Government have sold small quantities of arms, for the use of their police forces, to the Governments of Botswana and Swaziland since these countries became independent in 1966 and 1968 respectively. As it is not the practice of Her Majesty's Government to disclose particulars of arms sales, I regret that I am unable to give the further information sought by the noble Lord.
§ LORD FRASER OF LONSDALEMy Lords, is the noble Lord aware that I am grateful to know that these territories at least have some police arms?