§ Mr. SteinbergTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps have been taken to ensure that arms purchased by the Chilean Government at previous Army equipment exhibitions have not subsequently been used against the civilian population in Chile; if he will make it his policy that the Chilean Government are not represented at this year's exhibition; what representations he has received on this matter; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SainsburyHuman rights considerations are taken fully into account before a decision is made on whether or not a proposed sale to Chile or any other country should go ahead. We take great care to ensure that we do not supply items that in our judgment are likely to be used for internal repression; and we are not aware of any British defence equipment being used for this purpose in Chile. A number of representations have been received expressing concern about invitations to the British Army equipment exhibition issued to individuals from countries with questionable human rights records. However, it has been the policy of this and previous Administrations not to release details of invitations to individuals or their countries.