Written question asked by John Bercow (Conservative) on Tuesday, 10 October 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 12 October 2006. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 October 2006 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Venezuala

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the implications of the decision by Russia to sell military jets to Venezuela.

Answer: We continually assess patterns of military procurement throughout the world and their implications. We monitor developments closely to better inform our own case-by-case consideration of UK export licence applications against the Consolidated EU and National Export Licensing Criteria. We also hold discussions on global military procurement with EU colleagues and other partners. This applies to the sale referred to by the hon. Member. As with all arms transactions, we expect both Venezuela and Russia to exercise their right to military procurement and sales in a responsible and measured manner. It is in Venezuela's interest to preserve regional stability, militarily and otherwise.

Secondary information