§ 56. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that on 17th November last the Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi with 1,000 beds was hit with two 750-pound bombs and a large quantity of pellet bombs; and if he will dissociate Her Majesty's Government from this action of the United States Government.
§ Mr. George BrownI am aware of the reports that Bach Mai hospital in Hanoi suffered damage on the 17th of November. As I have frequently said, the only way to avoid the risk of incidents of this sort is to bring the war to an end and this Her Majesty's Government is striving to do.
§ 60. Mr. Woofasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the extent of the damage to the British Con- 10W sulate in Hanoi by the bombing raid by the United States of America on 17th November 1967; whether any personal injuries were received by those in the building at the time; and whether the United States of America have agreed to pay compensation.
§ Mr. George BrownIn addition to the damage of which I informed the House on 11th December, I regret to say that the Junior Attaché in the Consulate-General was slightly hurt by blast. As the House knows, the United States Government has expressed its regret at any damage which might have been caused by United States air action. Should the extent of injury or damage warrant it we would consider seeking appropriate compensation from the United States.—[Vol. 756, c.24.]
§ Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is still the policy of Her Majesty's Government to refuse to sell arms to the United States of America for use in Vietnam.
§ Mr. George BrownAlthough Her Majesty's Government do not place any restrictions or conditions on arms sold to the United States of America, it continues to be our policy not to sell arms specifically for use in Vietnam.