§ Mr. Gorstasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give an assurance that there is no change contemplated in the foreseeable future in the policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to the supply of arms to the Middle East; and whether items previously not available for supply to Middle Eastern countries will continue to be ineligible for delivery in the future.
§ Lord BalnielThe policy of Her Majesty's Government on the supply of military equipment to countries in the Middle East remains unchanged. Requests for arms from countries in the region are considered on their merits. There is no embargo. But we would not be prepared to authorise the supply of equipment which would in our view increase the chances of a resumption of hostilities or impede the search for a peaceful settlement.