HC Deb 19 December 1995 vol 268 cc1079-80W
Sir Alan Haselhurst

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about exports of military aircraft to Indonesia. [7545]

Mr. Nelson

I have authorised the issue of licences to British Aerospace in respect of the contract signed in 1993 to export Hawk aircraft and support equipment to Indonesia. This decision has been made, following consultation with the Ministry of Defence and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, in the light of the established and internationally agreed criteria for military exports. In accordance with Government policy, a thorough assessment of the likelihood of these aircraft being used for internal repression in Indonesia or East Timor has been undertaken. This assessment has concluded that it is not likely that these aircraft will be so used. In addition, the Indonesian Government have given assurances that the aircraft will not be used for internal security or against civilians in any part of Indonesia or East Timor.

It has been the practice of successive Governments not to disclose details of individual export licence cases, but, as I consider that the public interest in this matter outweighs the need for confidentiality, I have decided to make an exception.