§ Mr. Mortonasked the Lord Privy Seal whether there has been any change in the Government's policy not to sell defence equipment to Iraq; and if any change in the policy is proposed.
§ Mr. HurdSales of arms and military equipment are subject to customary licensing procedures. Applications are considered in the light of all relevant circumstances including our relations with the countries involved and, in the case of Iraq and Iran, our neutrality obligations during the present state of hostilities, where Her Majesty's Government's overriding interest is to encourage an early and negotiated settlement. This has been our consistent policy. No change is proposed.