§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his estimate of the total annual cost of all forms of United Kingdom Government support for the export of armaments and all forms of defence sales. [22683]
§ Mr. Arbuthnot[holding answer 26 March 1996]:Within the Ministry of Defence, promotion of defence equipment exports is principally undertaken by the Defence Export Services Organisation, the net running costs of which are around £16 million a year. Other branches and individuals are from time to time involved in specific activities but it is not possible to estimate the cost. In addition, estimated receipts of about £1.5 million in 1995–96 have been forgone for commercial and policy reasons in connection with assistance to foreign Governments in respect of training.