§ Q7. Mr. Maddenasked the Prime Minister if he will arrange the introduction of comprehensive controls to stop the supply by private companies of military equipment, military techniques and personnel, skilled in such techniques, which could be deployed in offensive and terrorist activity at home and overseas.
§ The Prime MinisterThere are stringent controls on the provision of military equipment, whether in this country or for export. It is not in itself a criminal offence to offer for sale training in military techniques, and any proposals to that end, which would pose significant problems, would have to be very carefully considered; but the Official Secrets Acts already apply to the unauthorised communication of information acquired by Service personnel. The Government are considering the report of the Diplock Committee on mercenaries.