§ Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's policy over the sale of arms to Spain and Portugal.
§ Mr. M. StewartThe supply of arms to Spain and Portugal, as to other countries, is subject to approval by Her Majesty's Government of export licence applications. Each application is considered on its merits in the light of the relevant political, economic and strategic considerations.
In the case of Spain Her Majesty's Government approves export licence applications for such items as electrical and electronic equipment, instruments, spare parts and sporting guns and ammunition. In the last twelve months licences have been approved for the export of goods in these categories worth about £300,000.
In the case of Portugal Her Majesty's Government do not permit the supply of arms for use in Portugal's overseas territories. They do, however, grant licences for the export to Portugal of military 223W equipment in accordance with her reasonable requirements as a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation ally.