HC Deb 26 July 1993 vol 229 cc744-5W
Mr. Gapes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on British arms sales to Israel.

Mr. Aitken

The sale of defence equipment to Israel has been restricted since 1982 in direct response to Israel's invasion of southern Lebanon.

Mr. Gapes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on British arms sales to the middle east.

Mr. Aitken

It is our policy to support the sale of British defence equipment overseas wherever this is compatible with our political, strategic and security interests, and does not conflict with our international obligations.

Mr. Gapes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Finchley of 28 June,Official Report, column 345, on United Kingdom arms sales in 1992, if he will place similar information for each year from 1979 in the Library.

Mr. Aitken

The 1992 United Nations register return was the first such return made. Information relating to earlier defence exports is contained in "UK Defence Statistics". A copy of the 1993 edition has recently been placed in the Library of the House.

Sir Michael Grylls

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the Government's policy on arms sales to countries in the Indian sub-continent; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Aitken

All exports of arms require an export licence. Each application is carefully considered on a case by case basis taking into account a range of factors including international and national security and regional stability. In particular, no arms are allowed to be exported when they are judged likely to be used for internal repression or terrorist activities. This system of control applies to all destinations, including the countries of the Indian sub-continent.