HL Deb 22 October 1975 vol 364 cc1421-2
Lord BROCKWAY

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 can give an assurance that no arms from the United Kingdom are being supplied to any of the warring factions in Angola.

The PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE, FOREIGN and COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (Lord Goronwy-Roberts)

My Lords, any export of arms from the United Kingdom would require an export licence and I can readily give an assurance that no licences have been, or will be, issued for such a purpose.

Lord BROCKWAY

My Lords, I welcome that Answer. Is the Minister aware that I put this Question because in a quality newspaper the allegation had been made? If we are exporting arms to Zaire are there implemented reservations to prevent her from supplying those arms to any of the forces in Angola?

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, such an export would be made officially under licence and of course the conditions would be set out clearly to any Government importing such arms.