HC Deb 13 December 1999 vol 341 cc19-20W
Mr. Gardiner

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what date was the Government's last reassessment of the situation in Sri Lanka with respect to the appropriateness of granting export licences for controlled exports to that country. [102185]

Mr. Hain

Our policy on defence exports to Sri Lanka, as with all other countries, is constantly kept under review. Each export licence application is considered scrupulously on a case by case basis in accordance with national and EU criteria. Particular attention is paid to the Sri Lankan Government's human rights record and its legitimate defence and domestic security interests.

Mr. Gardiner

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made to the Government of Sri Lanka concerning human rights violations by the Sri Lankan army and security forces. [102183]

Mr. Hain

We maintain a dialogue with the Sri Lankan Government and the armed forces on a wide range of issues including human rights and the importance of bringing to justice those responsible for abuses.

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