§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions, with whom and on what topics, he had on his recent visit to Indonesia; and what assurances he 641W received that equipment and weapons supplied from the United Kingdom will not be used against the people of East Timor.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State visited Indonesia in September last year, when he met representatives of the Indonesian Government. A wide range of issues of mutual interest was discussed. As regards defence sales, all applications to export military equipment are carefully scrutinised on a case by case basis. We do not allow the export of arms and equipment likely to be used for repressive purposes against civilians. In the case of Indonesia, this covers the possible repression of the population of East Timor.
§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what licences have been approved for the export of arms to Indonesia in each year since 1979.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkIt is not our normal practice to disclose details of United Kingdom defence sales to particular countries.
§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with United Kingdom military equipment and weapons manufacturers concerning exports to Indonesia following his visit there.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkAll discussions between my Department and United Kingdom defence suppliers are conducted on a confidential basis.