HL Deb 28 January 1993 vol 541 cc1364-5

3.11 p.m.

Lord Ennals asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are still supplying militarily useful technology to Iran in view of its record on human rights.

The Minister of State, Department of Transport (The Earl of Caithness)

My Lords, no lethal defence equipment has been supplied to Iran since 1979. In addition, guidelines relating to the delivery of all defence-related equipment have been in force since 1984. The Government are carefully reviewing their policy, and meanwhile no licences are being granted.

Lord Ennals

My Lords, first, I welcome the last statement by the Minister and the fact that Her Majesty's Government jointly sponsored the resolution on human rights in the United Nation's General Assembly which drew attention to the high number of executions, the practice of torture and restrictions on freedom of expression in thought, opinion and press. In view of the Minister's reply, can he say when we will receive an answer? My Question, which he did not answer, was in regard to technologically useful information. Is it not time that we learnt a lesson from the Iraqi experience? We were supplying equipment which enabled Iraq to have power. Should we not stop straight away in relation to Iran which may at some stage pose a similar challenge?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, obviously we are concerned about the sort of exports that may go to Iran, that is why we have guidelines. If the noble Lord has a specific item in mind, that is perhaps best dealt with in correspondence. He asked a general question. Every exporter must look at the guidelines and apply for a licence.

Baroness Blackstone

My Lords, while I welcome the Minister's earlier reply to my noble friend's Question, may I ask whether he is aware of the activities of an Iranian company in this country known as ATA? It is re-establishing Iran's defence procurement network in this country. Have the Government made any representations to the Government of Iran regarding the activities of that company?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, the Iranian officials explained to us that they do not seek to export equipment from the UK in breach of our export control regulations. Furthermore, we have no evidence of a breach of those regulations involving the Iranians. Should the noble Baroness have an example she can give me, I shall follow it up.

Baroness Blackstone

My Lords, there have been press reports regarding the activities of that company. I shall be grateful if the Minister will follow it up.

Lord Ennals

My Lords, has the Minister's attention been drawn to the statement made by the Iranian authorities that they hope to have a full nuclear capability by the turn of the century?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, we hope that the Iranians will abide by the terms of the nuclear proliferation treaty, which is the important treaty governing that area, and not go beyond the bounds of that.