§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has on the export of arms to(a) Iran and (b) Iraq by BMARC between 1988 and 1991. [19081]
§ Mr. FreemanNo licences were granted for the export of defence equipment from BMARC to Iran between 1988 and 1991. The question of the export of defence equipment to Iraq between 1984 and 1990 is being considered by Sir Richard Scott's inquiry and it would be inappropriate for me to comment until Sir Richard has reported. A trade and economic embargo against Iraq prohibited the export of such equipment from 8 August 1990.
§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when his Department was first informed of allegations that Singapore was a conduit for arms exported by the company BMARC to Iran. [19078]
§ Mr. FreemanAs far as can be ascertained, the Ministry of Defence first became aware of these allegations during evidence given to the Trade and Industry Select Committee, HC 86–x 1991–9.