§ Mr. Corbynasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department takes in accordance with Her Majesty's Government's policy on human rights to monitor the publications and activities of the opposition parties and human rights groups in Chile.
§ Mr. RentonOne of the many functions of Her Majesty's embassy in Santiago is to maintain regular contact with the democratic opposition and with human rights groups in Chile.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office also monitors regularly the publications put out by opposition and human rights groups.
§ Mr. Corbynasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to ban all arms sales to Chile.
§ Mr. RentonWe believe that a total embargo would be ineffective. Nevertheless, as in the past, we seek to ensure that British firms do not sell items to Chile which, in our judgment, are likely to be used for internal repression.
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§ Mr. Corbynasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if relations with Chile were re-examined in the wake of the imposition of the state of siege there in November 1984.
§ Mr. RentonWe keep the situation in Chile under constant review and leave the Chilean Government in no doubt about our concern over the violation of human rights and the absence of normal political liberties.
§ Mr. Corbynasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will take part in a meeting of Foreign Ministers of the European Community, as called for in the European Parliament resolution of 17 April to discuss Chile;
(2) what policy Her Majesty's Government have adopted in the institutions of the European Community with regard to the resolution of the European Parliament about Chile passed on 18 April.
§ Mr. RentonWe remain in frequent and close touch with our Community partners about matters of common concern, including the situation in Chile, both at the European Council and through the political co-operation machinery.