§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, following the recommendation of the Scott Report that details of weapon sales to foreign countries should be published, they will list the details of licences issued in 1995, and 1996 to date, for arms transfers worth more than £100,000.
Earl Howe:No, but we intend to review the practice of successive governments not to reveal details of the export of defence related equipment in reply to parliamentary Questions.
A paper has been placed in the Library of the House which sets out current policy and practice in informing Parliament about arms sales matters. We hope that this will be a useful document to take the discussion forward.