§ Lord Lamont of Lerwickasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the Ministry of Defence had any prior knowledge of General Pinochet's arrival in this country. [HL358]
§ Lord HoyleMinistry of Defence officials first became aware on 16 September 1998 of General Pinochet's intention to visit the UK in October this year.
§ Lord Lamont of Lerwickasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the arrest of General Pinochet has had any noticeable effect on the prospects for British defence exports to Chile, and, if so, whether they will give details. [HL359]
§ Lord HoyleSome UK defence companies have reported a slowing down of activity with Chile since the arrest of General Pinochet, with planned discussions being delayed or cancelled. But the defence export market is a long-term one, and it is difficult to make a measured judgment about the extent of any impact at present.
§ Lord Lamont of Lerwickasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether anyone from the Ministry of Defence met General Pinochet during his visit to Britain; and, if so, who and when. [HL402]
§ Lord HoyleNo one from the Ministry of Defence met General Pinochet during his visit to the United Kingdom.