§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Prime Minister (1) at what level authorisation was given for an Argentine cargo airliner to leave Heathrow on 29 March loaded with gun mounts and spares;
(2) at what level authorisation was given for an Argentine jet cargo aircraft to leave Stansted airport on 25 March 1982 loaded with arms and spare parts.
§ The Prime MinisterThere is no evidence in official records that the arms which the hon. Member describes were exported on the flights in question. If he has any relevant information, I will arrange for the matter to be further investigated. Military radio and navigation equipment worth £17,700 was exported on the flight from Heathrow on 29 March in accordance with export licences issued on 24 February 1981 and 5 March 1981, and revalidated on 26 February 1982 and 1 March 1982 respectively. A ban on exports of arms and military equipment to Argentina came into force on 3 April 1982.