HL Deb 09 March 1992 vol 536 c41WA
The Earl of Munster

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, since the replies to his written Questions (HL Deb., 29th January, col. WA 49), any new evidence has come to light regarding Iranian attempts to purchase military or dual-use equipment from the United Kingdom.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (The Earl of Caithness)

The Department of Trade and Industry regularly receive export licence applications for Iran. These are considered carefully in the light of our guidelines relating to the sale of defence equipment to Iran, which, inter alia, prohibit the export of all lethal equipment.

The Earl of Munster

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, military or dual-use sales to Iran are included in "restrictions on defence exports to other countries … applied under international obligations," as Iran was not named by the Earl of Caithness as a UN or EC embargoed country in the written reply to Lord Kennet's Question of 6th February 1992 (col. WA21.)

The Earl of Caithness

Apart from UN and EC embargoes, the United Kingdom unilaterally imposes restrictions on defence exports to certain countries. The guidelines relating to all deliveries of defence equipment to Iran, which, inter alia prohibit the export of all lethal equipment, are strictly enforced.