§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the West German Government about the supply to Iran by MAN of Germany of replacement power packs for Chieftain tanks supplied by the United Kingdom before the Iran-Iraq war; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RentonWe are not aware of this specific proposal, but if my hon. Friend would care to pass on to me any details he may have, we would be happy to raise the matter with the Federal German authorities. As recorded in my answer to my hon. Friend on 9 December 1986, we have in the past raised with the FRG the supply of Chieftain tank engines to Iran, and it is our understanding that their policy of neutrality in the conflict does not permit the export of goods for military use to areas of tension.