§ Mr. Ennalsasked the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the resolution passed by the United Nations Security Council on 4th December, 1963, called for the cessation of the sale and shipment of equipment and materials for the manufacture and maintenance of arms and ammunition in South Africa; whether he is satisfied that the policy of Her Majesty's Government in maintaining the supply of spare parts for weapons already supplied to South Africa is acting in conformity with that resolution; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. George ThomsonAs my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister told the House on 17th November, Her Majesty's Government have responded to the Resolution referred to by placing an embargo on the export of any further arms to South Africa, except in the case of contracts already made. It is an accepted principle that a contract to supply equipment carries with it an understanding that the necessary spare parts will normally be provided. Nevertheless, requests for spare parts for equipment supplied under contracts already made are examined in order to ensure that their provision would not assist in enforcing the policy ofapartheid.