§ 7. Mr. David EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assistance his Department gives directly and indirectly to British defence exporters.
§ Mr. AitkenWe give extensive advice and support to British defence exporters, mainly through the Defence Export Services Organisation.
§ Mr. EvansI thank the Minister for his reply. Does he agree that if we had listened to the CND lunatics opposite, there would not be a defence industry at all? Will he confirm that we are not about to cut defence spending by 25 per cent. and that we are not about to wipe out the Royal Air Force? That is exactly what the lot opposite planned. Will he ask them once and for all, "Yes or no?"
§ Mr. AitkenI always listen to my hon. Friend in preference to the CND types opposite, either current or old. I gladly confirm that we have absolutely no plans to make the savage cuts that my hon. Friend suggested the Labour party supported at its party conference. We believe that our defences are in good shape for many years to come.
§ Mrs. MahonOn defence exports, how many dead or tortured East Timorese are acceptable to the Government in exchange for a defence contract with Indonesia?
§ Mr. AitkenThat is a ridiculous question. The British Government do not export arms of any type to any country without very careful export licensing. By means of our export licensing process, we seek to avoid the export of arms that could be used for the repression of individuals.