§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Prime Minister which Departments hold information relative to the financing by British banks, since 1980, using their customers' balances, of arms supplied to Iraq and Iran; which British banks were involved; what proportion of such financing went on the supply of Valmara 69 anti-personnel land mines; and if he will make a statement. [17934]
The Deputy Prime Minister[holding answer 29 February 1996]: I have been asked to reply.
Exports of lethal equipment including anti-personnel land mines from the United Kingdom to Iraq or Iran would require an export licence. No such licences have been issued since 1980. The financing by British banks of arms sales from other countries to Iraq and Iran would be a matter for Government Departments only if breaches of United Nations' sanctions were involved. Government Departments hold no evidence of such breaches by British banks. If the right hon. Member has any information regarding possible breaches of United Kingdom export controls or United Nations' sanctions, he should pass it to the relevant authorities.