§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the reconciliation of Her Majesty's Government's policy on the exports of high-technology conventional weapons with its policy on non-proliferation.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe support the export of British equipment, including high technology conventional weapons, where this is compatible with our political, strategic and security interests. This is based on the right of all nations to self-defence, in accordance with article 51 of the UN charter. As part of our objective to prevent destabilising accumulations of arms, we observe strict responsibility and restraint in our exports of arms and actively encourage other suppliers to do likewise.