§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the total of private arms sales abroad in each of the last three years; and what is his policy towards this.
§ Mr. HealeyPrecise figures are not available but it is estimated that private sales accounted for approximately 70 per cent. of the totals given in reply to the hon. Member's question on 25th October. The Government's policy is to encourage sales of defence equipment subject to strict observance of all relevant political economic and strategic considerations.—[Vol. 751, c.485–486.]