§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether, in view of discussions between Thorn EMI and others about possible sales of Ranger anti-personnel mines for eventual delivery to Argentina, Her Majesty's Government will request British manufacturers of military equipment to inform Ministers if any approach is made to them where there are grounds for belief that eventual delivery of military equipment to Argentina may be intended.
§ Mr. Ian StewartManufacturers of defence equipment keep in close and regular touch on overseas sales prospects with Ministry of Defence staff, who are fully conscious of the risks of military equipment being transferred to Argentina by third parties. Ranger anti-personnel mines require an export licence before they can be sold abroad, and we know of no sales proposals which might result in this equipment reaching Argentina through intermediaries.