§ 51. Mr. Martenasked the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent he receives regular reports on the performance of weapons of war of British manufacture at present in use in the Vietnamese war; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HealeyI do not receive regular reports on this subject.
§ 52. Mr. Martenasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the weapons of war of British manufacture at present in use in the Vietnamese war.
§ Mr. HealeyI regret this information is not available.
§ Mr. Parkasked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps are being taken to ensure that arms sold to the United States of America are not used in Vietnam.
§ Mr. Martenasked the Secretary of State for Defence how he proposes to ensure that arms sold to an ally will not violate the principle of supplying arms directly or indirectly for fighting in Vietnam; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HealeyHer Majesty's Government draw a distinction between the intentional supply of arms to Vietnam via a third country, which we would not allow, and the general supply of arms to allies, on which we do not normally place any restrictions. As I indicated in the House on 23rd June, Her Majesty's Government can and does ensure that arms exports are restricted, both by type and destination, to those which cannot be used in violation of its policies.
§ Mr. Goodhartasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether any bombs or shells or any other form of conventional ammunition will be sold to the Government of the United States of America without an undertaking that this material will not be used in the Vietnam conflict.
§ Mr. HealeyI would refer the hon. Member to what 1 said in reply to the hon. Member for Ebbw Vale (Mr. Michael Foot) on 23rd June.