HC Deb 16 November 1970 vol 806 cc301-2W
58. Mr. Bob Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has reached a decision yet in respect of supplying arms to Libya.

Mr. Godber

We are at present discussing with the Libyans in the Anglo-Libyan Committee, among other things, their arms requirements. These talks are still in progress and no decisions have been taken.

65. Mr. Rose

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on current negotiations with Libya.

Mr. Godber

We are continuing our efforts, through negotation, to establish a firm basis of mutual understanding with Libya. The Anglo-Libyan Committee, where these negotiations are being conducted, is engaged in a further round of talks in London at the present time.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the negotiations now taking place with Libya on the question of the refund of £32 million which Libya paid towards the supply of a British-made air defence system.

Mr. Godber

The question of the British Aircraft Corporation contract has been raised by the Libyan delegation in the current series of Anglo-Libyan negotiations. This is a commercial contract and Her Majesty's Government are not a party to it.