§ Mr. GeorgeTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if British Aerospace sought authorisation from his Department for the flight to, and exhibition at, Baghdad, of an advanced Hawk trainer; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan Clark[holding answer 25 April 1989]: It has been the practice of successive Governments not to 539W comment on individual licensing matters. Licences are required for the export to Iraq of military equipment which is subject to control under the Export of Goods (Control) Order (S.I. 1987 No. 2070), as amended.
Applications for such licences are examined in particular against the guidelines on the export of defence equipment to Iran and Iraq announced to the House by my right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary of 29 October 1985, at column 454.
§ Mr. GeorgeTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps he takes to ensure that military aeroplanes licensed for export for training purposes are not converted to combat use.
§ Mr. Alan Clark[holding answer 25 April 1989]: Licences are required for the export to all destinations of military aeroplanes which are subject to control under the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1987 (S.I. 1987 No. 2070) as amended.
Applications for such licences are considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with stringent export control procedures.