§ Q34. Sir Anthony Royleasked the Prime Minister if he discussed the proposed purchase of Harrier aircraft during Mr. Li Chiang's visit to No. 10 Downing Street; if his Ministers have obtained the approval of COCOM and the United States Government, for this sale; and if he will give an assurance that Her Majesty's Government will press ahead with securing this contract and not be diverted by pressure from other governments.
§ Mr. FootI have been asked to reply.
It has been the practice of successive Governments not to make statements about the details of individual arms negotiations. If Her Majesty's Government were to receive a formal proposal from the Chinese Government, it would be considered in the light of our international obligations and the political and economic circumstances.