HC Deb 12 April 1994 vol 241 cc145-6W
Mr. Cousins

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) in what way, and at what time, the fact that items exported to Saudi Arabia as part of the Al Yamamah agreements were not subject to export licence controls was made known to Parliament;

(2) in what way, and at what time, the fact that items exported by Royal Ordnance as part of Defence Sales Export Organisation deals were not subject to export licence controls since 1981 was made known to Parliament.

Mr. Aitken

The fact that the Crown cannot licence itself is self-evident.

Mr. Cousins

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Government of Saudi Arabia were made aware that items exported to that country as part of the Al Yamamah agreements would not be subject to export licence controls.

Mr. Aitken

The Government of Saudi Arabia are aware that defence equipment supplied under the Al Yamamah arrangement is subject to the normal foreign policy and defence criteria.

Mr. Cousins

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the items covered by the Al Yamamah contracts were subsequently exported.

Mr. Aitken

All the items covered by the Al Yamamah contracts have been or will be exported.