HL Deb 09 June 1999 vol 601 cc158-9WA
Lord Warner

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their policy on the export of arms to Iran. [HL2845]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

There has been no change to current policy, as set out in the Answer I gave to the noble Lord, Lord Carmichael of Kelvingrove, on 28 January 1998.

Further to the Answer I gave to the noble Lord, Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede, on 25 March 1999, my department and the Ministry of Defence have approved the issue of a licence by the Department of Trade and Industry, as an exception to our embargo on Iran, for the export of 1,020 bullet proof vests to the United Nations Drug Control Programme to equip Iranian frontier personnel. The bullet proof vests will enhance the capacity of Iran's frontier personnel to combat drug trafficking and reduce the sad toll of casualties which they have borne in the past 20 years.