§ Mr. Newensasked the Lord Privy Seal if it is his policy to place restrictions on the sale of armaments and military equipment to the belligerants in the Iraqi-Iranian war in the Persian Gulf; and if he will make a statement to indicate what these are.
§ Mr. HurdSales of arms and military equipment are subject to customary licensing procedures. Applications are considered in the light of all relevant circumstances, including our relations with the countries involved and, in the case of Iran and Iraq, our neutrality during the present state of hostilities, where Her Majesty's Government's overriding interest is to encourage an early and negotiated settlement.