§ Mr. Leadbitterasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken or proposes to take to arrange for supplies of oil from any of the Middle East countries with an exchange of arms as part of the deal.
§ Mr. BlakerNo such step has been taken and no such proposal is under consideration.
§ Mr. Leadbitterasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to discuss within the EEC Community the implications of importing oil from other countries which have a sales arrangement with Middle East countries with arms as part of the deal or of member States themselves having such an arrangement direct with the Middle East.
§ Mr. BlakerAs the hon. Member will be aware, the Heads of State or Government of the European Community agreed at the Copenhagen summit on 14th and 15th December on the importance of 73W entering into negotiations with the oil-producing countries on comprehensive arrangements for the economic and industrial development of these countries, and for stable energy supplies to the members of the EEC at reasonable prices. I am not aware of any arms-for-oil deals.