HC Deb 21 October 1991 vol 196 cc345-6W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Foreign Affairs Council has discussed conventional arms sales and security policy of European Community member states, pursuant to article 223 of the treaty of Rome since the end of main hostilities of the Gulf war.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The Gulf war highlighted the need for restraint in the supply of conventional armaments to areas of tension. Ministers have discussed the issue on several occasions. At the Luxembourg European Council on 28–29 June, the Twelve issued a declaration on conventional arms transfers and non-proliferation which included a set of agreed criteria to guide national policies on arms exports. The Twelve are also co-sponsoring a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly for the establishment of a register of arms sales.