HC Deb 22 July 1964 vol 699 cc93-4W
69. Mr. Loughlin

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what reasons the Spanish Government gave Her Majesty's Government for not pursuing their inquiries into the possibility of their having built "Leander" class frigates.

Mr. Thomeycroft

I would refer the hon. Member to what was said by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Navy in the Debate on the Adjournment on 15th July.

72. Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the exact full text of the announcement prepared by his Department for release on the completion of negotiations for the sale of frigates to Spain.

Mr. Thomeycroft

No formal announcement was prepared.

Mr. A. Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what action his Department have taken or intend taking to publicise the Government's view on the breaking off of negotiations by the Spanish Government for the purchase of "Leander" type frigates.

Mr. Thomeycroft

By courtesy of right hon. and hon. Gentlemen opposite, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Navy, and I have already had ample oppor- tunity to make the Government's view clear on the Floor of the House.

Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when the first official public announcement was made by Her Majesty's Government regarding the negotiations for the sale of frigates to Spain.

Mr. Thomeycroft

No official public announcement was made. Press inquiries, after those dealt with on 8th June, were answered to the effect that negotiations had not been completed.