HC Deb 30 April 1990 vol 171 cc427-8W
Mr. Andrew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the respective roles of the Defence Export Services Organisation and International Military Services.

Mr. Alan Clark

The primary role of the MOD Defence Export Services Organisation is, in conformity with Government export control policies, to assist the British defence industry in selling its products in overseas markets. It is also responsible for the disposal by sale, at home and overseas, of surplus service equipments and stores. International Military Services Ltd. is a private limited company incorporated under the Companies Act whose shares are vested in the Secretary of State for Defence. It offers, on a commercial basis, a range of marketing and project management services in the defence field available to both Government and industry.