Mr. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the formation of the infantry sales team including (a) the reasons for and date of its formation, (b) cost to the taxpayer, (c) its relationship to the Defence Export Services Organisation and (d) the countries visited since its inception.
§ Mr. SainsburyI refer to the question answered by my predecessor on 15 May last in which he stated that a small infantry sales team was established in 1986. In addition to its normal duties it holds itself ready, under the direction of the Defence Export Services Organisation, to assist United Kingdom manufacturers in the sale and promotion of British infantry equipment overseas. Apart from the pay and allowances of the team members, all other costs are borne by the commercial companies involved. Since 1986 the team has visited the following countries:
- Indonesia
- Luxembourg
- United States of America
- France
- Canada
- Saudi Arabia
- Turkey
- Jordan
- Malaysia
- Portugal
- Pakistan