§ Mr. Kinnockasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is his policy towards invitations to representatives of foreign Governments to trials and other promotional events connected with British-built arms, warships, warplanes and other naval and military equipment; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will withdraw current invitations and not extend any further invitations to trials of military, naval and air-force weaponry to the Governments of Chile and the Republic of South Africa.
§ Mr. MasonMost British defence equipment is produced by private industry and the promotion of sales is basically a matter for the firms concerned. Occasionally, exhibitions and demonstrations of equipment are organised by the Ministry of Defence and invitations to representatives of foreign Governments are made having regard to the policies of the British Government of the day.