HL Deb 21 June 1972 vol 332 cc220-2

2.38 p.m.

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 whether they will explain what their general policy is in regard to the issue or refusal of export licences for the provision of small arms, mortars and the like to countries on the African Continent.

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY (THE EARL OF LIMERICK)

My Lords, applications for licences to export small arms, mortars and the like to countries on the African Continent are dealt with on their merits, having regard to such factors as the possible use and ultimate destination of the arms and Her Majesty's Government's relations with the countries in question. Exports are allowed except where there are reasons to the contrary. It is the present policy, however, in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions on the supply of arms to those countries, to refuse applications for licences to export arms of these types to Rhodesia, to the Union of South Africa and to Portugal for use in the Portuguese overseas territories.

LORD NAPIER AND ETTRICK

My Lords, I am much obliged to my noble friend. Can he tell the House whether any preferential treatment is given to the African members of the Commonwealth? And if a country has the capability of manufacturing its own light weapons, would a request for small arms be less likely to receive favourable consideration?

THE EARL OF LIMERICK

My Lords, the answer to the first part of the supplementary question, as I think my reply indicated, is that our policy would be the same, whether or not the country concerned was a member of the Commonwealth. In regard to the second part of the question, we should not think it right to deny opportunities for export to any British manufacturer merely on account of the manufacturing capability in the country in question.

LORD AVEBURY

My Lords, has the noble Lord seen the reports about the B.O.A.C. airliner detained in Uganda on the grounds, according to General Amin, that there was not a valid licence for the export of the arms to Zambia that were being flown in the aircraft? What steps have Her Majesty's Government taken to secure the release of this airliner, the detention of which has cost B.O.A.C. over £100,000 so far?

THE EARL OF LIMERICK

My Lords, I think that that is another question. I can say that the appropriate steps are being taken. There is, I understand, some doubt about the manifest, and this is a question of some detail.

LORD SUDELEY

My Lords, may I ask the Minister, in the context of this Question, what is the attitude of Her Majesty's Government towards the World Council of Churches, and whether the Minister would not think that this organisation, in supporting various freedom fighters, has provided a licence for murder?

THE EARL OF LIMERICK

My Lords, I think that question is answered in the terms of the Answer which I first gave.