HC Deb 30 November 1994 vol 250 cc774-5W
Mr. Fisher

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what defence matters were discussed when the Chief and Vice Chief of Defence Staff visited Indonesia last year.

Mr. Soames

Neither the Chief of the Defence Staff nor the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff visited Indonesia in 1993. The Chief of the Defence Staff visited in October 1994 and the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff visited in February 1994. During their visits, they discussed defence and security matters of mutual interest. As is usual, details of their discussions are confidential.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date he became aware that talks were taking place between the Indonesian armed forces commander and the United Kingdom for Scorpion light tanks.

Mr. Freeman

My Department first became aware of Indonesian interest in Scorpion in about August 1992.

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list all current military contracts for military equipment, vehicles and weapons to Indonesia, including the number of such items involved and monetary amounts.

Mr. Freeman

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Ilford, South (Mr. Gapes) on 28 November 1994,Official Report, column 501.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what training, advice or information have been given to the Indonesian armed forces at any time since 1979.

Mr. Soames

The United Kingdom has provided training, including developmental and technical courses, for Indonesian students. Details of training, including the numbers involved, are not normally disclosed as they are regarded as confidential between Governments. Ministers and officials have met representatives of the Government of Indonesia to discuss defence and security matters of mutual interest.