HC Deb 03 August 1978 vol 955 cc564-5W
Mr. Robin F. Cook

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether any licences for the export of arms to member States of the Warsaw Pact have been issued in the past five years.

Mr. Meacher

Group 1 of the Export of Goods (Control) Order, under which arms are controlled, covers a wide range of aircraft, arms, ammunition, military stores and appliances. Licences to export to Warsaw Pact countries goods falling within this broad group have been issued where we are satisfied about the nature of the end-use and in conformity with our international undertakings. Such goods include explosives, propellants and fuels where destined for research, medical and humanitarian purposes, sporting weapons, shotguns and cartridges, Viper engines, ejection seats and aircraft instruments.