HC Deb 01 February 1973 vol 849 c449W
Mr. Judd

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT details of the numbers of vehicles in each of the following categories delivered to the Republic of South Africa in 1970–71 and in 1971–72, and of the numbers authorised for delivering in 1972–73; armoured cars AML-60, armoured cars AML-90, Saracen armoured personnel carriers, Centurion tanks, Comet tanks and Ferret scout cars.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

In accordance with Her Majesty's Government's policy of supplying nothing to South Africa for the enforcement ofapartheid, no vehicles of the types mentioned have been supplied in 1970–71 and 1971–72, nor will be supplied in 1972–73 by this country to South Africa. The AML-60 and AML-90 are of French manufacture.

Mr. Judd

asked the Minister of State for Defence if lie will take steps designed to ensure that military vehicles supplied to the Government of the Republic of South Africa are not used for suppressing African and other internal opposition or against neighbouring countries, including Commonwealth countries and the international territory of Namibia.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

Her Majesty's Government do not permit the supply of British military fighting vehicles or spares to South Africa and have not done so for many years.

Mr. Judd

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the period of time for which Her Majesty's Government regard themselves as under a binding obligation to supply spare parts, including armaments, for military vehicles previously supplied to the Government of South Africa.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

The obligation to supply spare parts ended in 1968.