§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the President of the Board of Trade on what basis his Department seeks assurances in respect of strategic exports to Indonesia; which categories of equipment are covered; and what factors determine which categories(a) require and (b) do not require assurances. [12566]
§ Mr. NelsonThe Government have in the past sought and received from the Indonesian authorities general assurances that British-supplied military equipment will not be used against civilians in Indonesia or East Timor.
Export licence applications are considered on their merits, taking account of all relevant factors on a case-by case-basis. On occasion, we seek assurances from the Government concerned, but this is not on the basis of pre-determined categories of equipment or factors.