§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of state for Defence what is his current policy on the sale of(a) aircraft and (b) other armaments to Sri Lanka; and if he will make a statement. [17558]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotIt is the Government's policy to support the sale of British defence equipment overseas where this is compatible with our political, strategic and security interests. All licence applications for the export of defence equipment are considered on a case-by-case basis in the light of established criteria, including the international guidelines to which we are committed.