HC Deb 18 December 1973 vol 866 cc291-2W
Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the policy of Her Majesty's Government, as expressed at the United Nations towards the sale of arms to South Africa, with special reference to the sale by Great Britain of Westland Wasp helicopters to South Africa.

Lord Balniel

Our general policy has been explained on a number of occasions at the United Nations as well as in this House. As regards the sale of helicopters, [would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's statement of 22nd February 1971 [Vol. 812, c. 34] when he told the House that we would, in accordance with our legal obligations, issue export licences for Westland Wasp helicopters if requested by the South Africans. My right hon. Friend the then Minister of State confirmed on 13th December 1971 [Vol. 828 Col. 37.] that a contract for the sale of seven Westland Wasp helicopters to South Africa had been signed.

Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek assurances from the South African Government that Westland Wasp helicopters exported to South Africa will not be used for internal suppression, for operations in Rhodesia in defence of the illegal Smith régime or in support of the Portuguese Government in Mozambique: and whether he will make a statement.

Lord Balniel

No. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister told the House on 26th January 1971 [Vol. 810, c. 324–5.] we already have South African Government assurances that they will not use any items of maritime equipment supplied to them for purposes other than the protection of the sea routes. If the South Africans breached this assurance we should at once refuse further supplies of equipment or spares. The Westland Wasp helicopter is designed and equipped for martime defence and not for the uses described by the hon. Member.