§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action has been taken by Her Majesty's Government within the Council of Ministers and the United Nations to review the supply and sale of weapons for use in the Iran-Iraq war; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarOur own firm policy remains as set out in the answer that my right hon. and learned Friend gave to the right hon. Member for Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale (Mr. Steel) on 29 October 1985 at column 454. While we would like all countries in the European Community and outside to adopt a policy as strict as ours, the supply and sale of defence equipment is a matter for national Governments, and it is not covered by the treaty of Rome. We do not believe it would be constructive to raise the matter in the Council of Ministers within European political co-operation, or at the United Nations while no prospect for a general agreement exists.