§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the number of firms engaged in making weapons or components and systems related to weapons, for Iran; where these firms are located; and approximately how many people are employed by those firms.
§ Mr. MulleyA large number of British firms are currently involved, either as main contractors or sub-contractors in manufacturing defence equipment for Iran. It is not possible to provide the detailed information requested in the time available, and I will, therefore, write to the hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what assessment he has made of the effects of postponement or cancellation of arms orders for Iran on Royal Ordnance factories;
(2) what representations he has received from the Government of Iran about postponement or cancellation of British arms sales to Iran.
§ Mr. MulleyWe have been invited to enter into discussion with the Iranians on the deferment, cultailment or cancellation of their defence contracts with the United Kingdom, and these discussions are proceeding. Until they have been concluded, we shall not know the full effect on the Royal Ordnance factories and the other British suppliers concerned.