§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is his policy towards the export of arms to countries with a record of human rights abuses; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what steps will be taken to ensure that none of the equipment on display at the British Army equipment exhibition at Aldershot in June 1988 is sold to, or otherwise reaches, countries with records of human rights abuses; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SainsburyOur policy is not to allow the export of defence equipment likely to be used for internal repression 69W 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 fact taken into account when deciding whether or not to grant a licence.