§ Mr. Wrayasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what criteria Her Majesty's Government apply to distinguish between weapons and equipment necessary for national defence and those which could be used for internal repression by countries under repressive regimes.
§ Mr. MellorOur policy is not to allow the export of defence equipment likely to be used for internal repression or to violate human rights. All exports of defence equipment are subject to strict licensing procedures. In considering applications for licences we look at each on its merits, and the human rights record of the country concerned would be one factor taken into account when deciding whether or not to grant a licence.