§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what investigation has been carried out by his Department's export control organisation into the sale of equipment and technology to Iraq by the Astra company since 1985. [15965]
§ Mr. OppenheimThe activities of Astra, insofar as they relate to the sale of equipment and technology to Iraq since 1985, are covered in Sir Richard Scott's report. The Trade and Industry Committee is examining the DTI's role in granting export licences to BMARC, a subsidiary of Astra Holdings plc from May 1988, for the export of naval guns to Singapore. BMARC was known as Astra Defence Systems Ltd. between June 1989 and April 1991. My Department has carried out investigations in order to assist both these inquiries.