§ Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on Government policy concerning arms supplies to Sri Lanka.
§ Mr. LeeIt has always been, and will remain, the Government's policy to exercise strict control over the sale of arms and paramilitary equipment. Each potential sale if considered on its merits on a case by case basis, and a wide range of factors which include the stability of the region and the likely use to which the equipment would be put, are taken into account in each case before approval is given. Any proposals to sell defence equipment to Sri Lanka are subject to such detailed examination and full account is, of course, taken of the local situation.