HC Deb 05 December 1990 vol 182 cc300-1
10. Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what new initiatives he plans on the international trade in conventional, nuclear, biological and chemical weapon components and research information.

Mr. Sainsbury

We continue to work with other like-minded countries to take effective action to prevent the proliferation of missiles and nuclear, biological and chemical weapons and to control the export of conventional weapons. In the light of recent developments, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has decided to extend the controls on the export of chemical weapons precursors and on chemical plant and equipment for use for chemical weapons purposes.

Mr. Flynn

I thank the Minister for that answer. Will he confirm that such measures have proved so successful in the past that if war breaks out in the Gulf British soldiers will be bombarded with howitzer and mortar shells manufactured using machinery exported from Britain, spied on by British-made radar, shot at by tanks travelling on British tracks, and attacked by missiles propelled by British fuel, all supplied to Saddam Hussein with the help and guidance of British Ministers? Can the Minister give an absolute guarantee that potential future Saddam Husseins are not even now being armed to the teeth by Britain?

Mr. Sainsbury

I can give the hon. Gentleman an undertaking that we have one of the world's strictest systems of controlling the export of defence equipment. Furthermore, we adhere strictly to our treaty commitments, which cover the export of nuclear material, and we intend to continue doing so.

Mr. Conway

Does my hon. Friend agree that the Government have effectively controlled export licences for goods which could be used for military purposes, to the extent that that has had an effect on some companies in my constituency, which had export licences refused to them? Should not those who have evidence to the contrary seek recourse to the law—rather than knock British industry, as Opposition Members do, for cheap party political gain?

Mr Sainsbury

I very much agree with my hon. Friend. I assume from the attitude taken by some Labour Members that they would like to ban all defence exports, which would immediately put at risk, if not immediately destroy, at least 100,000 jobs.

Mr. Menzies Campbell

In view of the new-found confidence in the United Nations, which is shared by the British Government, will the Minister look with favour on the proposal, which has the support of Germany's Foreign Minister in particular, for the United Nations to maintain a register of all arms sales?

Mr. Sainsbury

As the hon. and learned Gentleman knows, that idea has been around for a long time. If such a scheme were to be effective, it would require universal adherence—and that does not yet seem to be obtainable.