§ Mr. Campbell-Savoursasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list his responsibilities in relation to policy and practice on the sale of defence equipment abroad.
§ Mr. RentonAll sales of defence equipment abroad are subject to strict licensing control and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is one of those Departments consulted as part of the licensing procedure. Our policy on the sale of defence equipment is to support such sales, whenever this is compatible with the United Kingdom's political, strategic and security interests. Each case is considered carefully on its merits. We do not supply arms to countries against which there is a mandatory arms embargo, or where we believe the items are likely to be used to violate human rights or to attack British forces or our allies. We also consider the possible effect any proposed sale might have on the stability of the region in question.