§ Lord Tomlinsonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have recently authorised the issue of any export licences for Iran as an exception to the national arms embargo. [HL2715]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalWe have recently issued, as an exception to the national arms embargo on Iran, an export licence for the export of night vision equipment for the use of Iranian drug enforcement personnel. This equipment has been procured by a private company on behalf of the UN Drugs Control Programme (UNDCP) as a contribution to the UNDCP in Iran. These goods require a UK export licence as they are transiting the UK en route to Iran.
The UK fully supports assistance for the considerable efforts being made by the Iranian authorities to stem the trafficking of drugs through Iran. Since early 1999 the UK has contributed £1.5 million to support Iranian counter drugs activity.