HC Deb 01 December 1980 vol 995 cc8-9W
Mrs. Dunwoody

asked the Lord Privy Seal what positive steps Her Majesty's Government would be prepared to take in promoting negotiations for an exercising of self-determination in East Timor.

Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Lord Privy Seal, in view of the Portuguese Government's announced intention to commence consultations with concerned Governments, including members of the EEC on the future of East Timor, what positive steps Her Majesty's Government would be prepared to take in promoting negotiations for an exercising of self-determination in East Timor.

Mr. Blaker

We support the principle of self-determination and stand ready to play a part in resolving the problems of East Timor if we can usefully do so. This is, however, primarily a matter for the Governments of Portugal and Indonesia, and we see at present no scope for any initiative by Britain.

Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Lord Privy Seal, in view of the situation in East Timor and the restrictions placed by the Indonesian Government on the distribution of relief aid, including their refusal to allow access to British aid agencies such as Oxfam to enter East Timor, what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to the Indonesian Government that there should be effective monitoring of aid distribution by independent observers.

Mrs. Dunwoody

asked the Lord Privy Seal, in view of the situation in East Timor and the restrictions placed by the Indonesian Government on the distribution of relief aid, including their refusal to allow access to British aid agencies such as Oxfam to enter East Timor, what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to he Indonesian Government that there should be effective monitoring of aid distribution by independent observers.

Mr. Blaker

Supervision of international aid in East Timor has been undertaken by the International committee of the Red Cross. The international committee has reported that the situation has improved for the people of the territory, and has expressed satisfaction at the cooperation shown by the Indonesian authorities.

Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether Her Majesty's Government will undertake that no military supplies of any kind will be permitted to be exported to Indonesia until satisfactory arrangements have been made for a genuine act of self-determination in East Timor.

Mrs. Dunwoody

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether Her Majesty's Government will undertake that no military supplies of any kind will be permitted to be exported to Indonesia until satisfactory arrangements have been made for a genuine act of self-determination in East Timor.

Mr. Blaker

No, but ail relevant factors, including considerations, are taken into account: in reaching decisions on defence sales issues.

Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether any guarantees were required by Her Majesty's Government that the Hawk ground-attack aircraft recently supplied for training purposes to the Indonesian Government will not be converted for use in combat in last Timor; and whether he will ensure that such guarantees are obtained before any other such aircraft are sold.

Mr. Blaker

No. The Hawk aircraft recently delivered were equipped for training. Their sale was approved by the previous Administration. We have no indication that the Indonesian Government plan to use them in any capacity in East Timor.