Army Equipment Exhibition

HC Deb 16 June 1988 vol 135 cc222-3W

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy to invite from foreign countries only official Government organisations to attend the British Army equipment exhibition as potential buyers; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Sainsbury

The majority of overseas visitors to the British Army equipment exhibition are from official Government organisations. We do, however, invite some overseas senior industrialists at the request of companies participating in the exhibition. I see no reason to alter this practice.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy not to invite British based private arms traders to attend the British Army equipment exhibition as potential buyers; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Sainsbury

We do not invite British-based private arms traders to the British Army equipment exhibition.