§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the policy of his Department on the sale of weapons that can be used for torture to countries with poor human rights records.
§ Mr. FreemanIt is my Department's policy to ensure that all relevant human rights considerations are taken into account when applications are made to promote and supply licensable defence equipment overseas. It is Her Majesty's Government's policy to avoid the transfer of such equipment which would be likely to be used to 693W violate human rights. Advice on this matter is normally provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.