HC Deb 01 March 1995 vol 255 cc605-6W
Mr. Cousins

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what occasions prior written agreement was sought by the kingdom of Jordan to dispose of items exported to it under the Government-to-Government Jordan defence packages; and whether the United Kingdom Government acceded to such requests.

Mr. Freeman

This is a confidential matter between Governments.

Mr. Cousins

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is(a) the purpose of and (b) the statutory authority for payments under the subhead vote 2 H7 for the years 1988–89 to 1992–93; and in respect of which countries these payments were made.

Mr. Freeman

[holding answer 17 February 1995]: The main purpose of these payments has been to provide interest rate support for Jordan. Additionally, in the years 1986–87 to 1988–89, payments were made to the Export Credits Guarantee Department from within the figures given to the House on 13 February 1995, Official Report, column 544, to provide interest rate support for Oman. Contributions were made by the Ministry of Defence under the class I Supply estimates and confirming Appropriation Act.