§ Mr. FatchettTo ask the Secretary of Stale for Defence if he will set out the procedures adopted for the sale of surplus small arms prior to the establishment of the Disposal Sales Agency and list British companies436W personnel at his Department's establishments, in (i) 1989 and (ii) the most recent year.
§ Mr. SoamesService and civilian personnel numbers are available at local authority area level and the available figures are as set out. Comparable population estimates are not yet available for 1994.
involved over the previous five years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanThe rules for the sale of small arms, prior to the establishment of the Disposal Sales Agency and continued since, are to restrict surplus sales to the export market. United Kingdom companies seeking to purchase surplus small arms are required to hold a section 5 firearms licence; to provide proof of a secured contract to an acceptable customer with end user certification and to obtain an export licence. Contracts have been let which ensure that other surplus weapons are reduced to scrap.
It is not MOD policy to reveal details of purchasers without their written consent. A list of British companies involved over the previous five years would require disproportionate efforts to produce should all consents be forthcoming.
§ Mr. FatchettTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set out the position adopted for the sale of surplus armoured vehicles and tanks prior to the establishment of the Disposal Sales Agency, and the companies purchasing surplus armoured vehicles and tanks over the last five years; and what items were involved.
§ Mr. FreemanI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Pembroke on 1 December 1994,Official Report, columns 899–900. The positions adopted prior to and subsequent to the establishment of the Disposal Sales Agency are unchanged.