§ Mr. John Marshallasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the implications for Her Majesty's Government's ability to act as an honest broker in the middle east of its policy on arms exports to different middle east countries.
§ Mr. MellorAll exports of defence-related equipment are considered on a strict case-by-case basis. Each transaction is subject to stringent export licensing procedures, including an assessment of foreign policy and regional security implications and consideration of the human rights record of the country concerned.
These strict procedures are applied uniformly to all defence equipment exports worldwide, including the Middle East. In addition, special ministerial guidelines or restrictions are applied to exports to certain Middle Eastern countries, reflecting Her Majesty's Government's wish not to exacerbate or prolong conflicts in the region, and our determination to take a firm line on state-sponsored terrorism. Consequently, our policy on the export of defence related equipment in no way compromises our ability to work for a negotiated settlement to problems in the Middle East.