HC Deb 18 July 1956 vol 556 cc89-90W
61. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what consideration has been given by Her Majesty's Government to the recent official representations by the Government of Israel that the Arab States are receiving quantities of modern armaments which are being denied to Israel; and what action it is therefore proposed to take to stabilise the armaments position in the Middle East.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

All requests for arms supplies from Middle East countries are given due consideration in the light of Her Majesty's Government's general policy as stated by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State in reply to the right hon. and learned Gentleman on 25th April.

63. Mr. Younger

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is satisfied that he is receiving adequate information, in accordance with our obligations under the Tripartite Agreement, about the types and quantities of arms being supplied to Egypt and other Middle East countries from Czechoslovak or other Communist sources; and whether he will now give the House details of the information in his possession about what has already been delivered.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

Yes. My right hon. and learned Friend is satisfied that Her Majesty's Government are generally well informed about these transactions, but he does not think it would serve a useful purpose to state figures which, in the nature of things, cannot be wholly accurate or complete.

64. Mr. Younger

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is satisfied that the balance of arms possessed by Israel and the countries bordering upon Israel is still in favour of Israel; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

Yes. My right hon. and learned Friend is satisfied that Israel is in a position to defend herself successfully.