§ Captain Kerbyasked the Secretary of State for Defence why Her Majesty's destroyer "Sluys" has been sold to the Iranian Government; what was the price paid for her; and whether he will endeavour to make available obsolescent warships to foreign or Commonwealth powers in the future if such action will assist the placing of orders with United Kingdom shipbuilders.
72W
§ Mr. HealeyWe are prepared to offer surplus warships to friendly and allied Governments whenever we are satisfied that a genuine requirement exists and that supply would be consistent with the relevant political considerations. It is contrary to normal practice to disclose details of the kind requested about the "Sluys".