HL Deb 11 May 1981 vol 420 cc434-5WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are their future plans concerning the provision of arms and military equipment to Iraq and Iran.

The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Lord Carrington)

Sales 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 Iran and Iraq, 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.