HC Deb 28 January 1985 vol 72 cc23-4W
Mr. Foulkes

asked the Prime Minister (1) if she will list all meetings held between Ministers and members of the Chilean Government and military since April 1982; and what was the purpose of each meeting;

(2) if she will list all public statements made by Ministers since April 1981 on the régime in Chile, and on United Kingdom relations with Chile.

The Prime Minister

I shall reply to the hon. Gentleman shortly.

Mr. Foulkes

asked the Prime Minister if she will list all arrangements and treaties agreed with Chile since 1981.

The Prime Minister

No treaties have been signed or agreed since that date. The Government maintain a normal range of diplomatic relations with Chile.

Mr. Foulkes

asked the Prime Minister what steps she has taken since 1981 to bring to the attention of the Chilean authorities British concern regarding human rights in Chile.

The Prime Minister

The Government have repeatedly expressed their concern both in public and directly to members of the Chilean Government at the human rights situation there.

Mr. Foulkes

asked the Prime Minister if Her Majesty's Government will consider reimposing an embargo on sales of arms to Chile.

The Prime Minister

No. The Government maintain normal relations with Chile, including defence sales, but our policy remains to refuse the supply of items which in our judgment are likely to be used for internal repression.

Mr. Foulkes

asked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on the United Kingdom voting record at the United Nations since 1979 on all resolutions concerning Chile.

The Prime Minister

The United Kingdom voted as follows on resolutions criticising the human rights situation in Chile in the UN Commission on Human Rights and the UN General Assembly:

Commission on Human Rights General Assembly
1979 (United Kingdom not a member) Yes
1980 Yes Yes
1981 Abstention Yes
1982 Yes Abstention
1983 Yes Abstention
1984 Yes Yes

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on the policy of arms sales to Chile since March 1982; and what is the future policy.

The Prime Minister

The Government continues to follow the policy established in 1980: that we are willing to supply defence equipment to Chile with the exception of items which, in our judgment, are likely to be used for internal repression.