HC Deb 16 January 1985 vol 71 cc123-4W
Mr. Foulkes

asked the Prime Minister what assessment she has made of Argentine rearmament following the Falklands war; and what are the implications of such a rearmament on (a) the cost of maintaining a British garrison on the Falkland Islands and (b) the feasibility of defending the islands against attack.

The Prime Minister

We are aware that Argentina is modernising her forces mainly under contracts negotiated before the Falklands conflict. It would not be in the public interest to comment on our assessment of Argentine arms purchases and capabilities. We stand by our commitment to the Falkland Islands, and we will maintain a garrison there at the minimum size necessary to defend them. Our existing estimates of Falkland garrison costs take account of our assessment of Argentine capabilities and the forces necessary to defend the islands; our ability to reinforce the islands will be very greatly enhanced by the Mount Pleasant airfield.

Mr. Foulkes

asked the Prime Minister what information she has on (a) the supply of weapons manufactured in the United Kingdom and (b) the use of subcontractors in the United Kingdom to supply weapons manufactured outside the United Kingdom to Argentina.

The Prime Minister

There has been an embargo on the sale of arms to Argentina since the beginning of 1982.

Under the terms of contracts signed well before the Falklands conflict, a number of British companies have supplied equipment to West Germany over the past two years for incorporation in warships being built for Argentina.

The Government require end user certificates only for complete equipments. It is not practical to insist on these for minor components supplied to overseas prime contractors under collaborative agreements.

Mr. Foulkes

asked the Prime Minister what steps she has taken to ensure that no British weapons or parts are supplied to the Argentine Government.

The Prime Minister

The export of defence and defence related equipment is controlled by the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1981 and export licences are required.

Since the beginning of April 1982 there has been an embargo on the export of such equipment to Argentina. This embargo remains in force.