§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent measures Her Majesty's Government have initiated concerning the ending of the Iran-Iraq war; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorWe are active at both the United Nations and EC in seeking an end to the conflict. We have refused to sell any lethal equipment to either side since the conflict began and would support a United Nations-sponsored arms embargo. My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs set out our position more fully in his speech in the House on 26 June.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Her Majesty's Government will now ban any sale of arms to Iran or Iraq forthwith.
§ Mr. MellorOur policy is well known. As a direct result of our impartiality in the conflict, we prohibit the export to either Iran or Iraq of defence-related equipment that could significantly enhance the capability of either side to prolong or exacerbate the conflict.
The detailed guidelines were set out by my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on 29 October 1985, at column 158W 454, in his answer to the right hon. Member for Tweeddale, Ettick and Lauderdale (Mr. Steel), and they remain in force.