§ Mr. Nellistasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a general statement on trade in defence equipment and services with Sri Lanka.
§ Mr. ButlerIt has been the consistent policy of this and previous administrations not to disclose details of defence sales business with other countries. However, in accordance with the Government's policy, all such business is considered carefully on its merits on a case by case basis, bearing in mind all relevant factors including the stability of the region. I can give an assurance that this is the case with Sri Lanka at the present time; full account is, of course, being taken of the local situation, which we are monitoring closely.