§ 3. Mr. Ronnie CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on arms exports to Iraq. [853]
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Jeremy Hanley)We comply with United Nations Security Council resolution 661, which prevents the sale to Iraq of any weapons or other military equipment. In 1984 we introduced guidelines forbidding the export of lethal equipment, which were much tougher than those of any other major defence exporters. After 1984 the UK accounted for less than 3 per cent. of Iraq's defence-related imports.
§ Mr. CampbellDoes the Minister agree that, now that Scott is due to report his findings, if any Ministers are found to be to blame for, or involved in, that gun run, they should resign?
§ Mr. HanleyThe hon. Gentleman is right. The United Kingdom's policy on arms exports to Iraq from 1984 to 1181 1992 is being considered by Sir Richard Scott. We shall take careful note of any conclusions and recommendations in Sir Richard's report, but we have no intention of commenting on the report until it is published.