Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Malloch-Brown (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 May 2009.

Armed Forces: Aircraft

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether British components for F-16 fighter aircraft and Apache helicopters have been exported to the United States and subsequently used by Israel for attacks on south Lebanon and Gaza; and, if so, whether they will make representations to the government of the United States.

Answer: I refer the noble Lord to the Written Ministerial Statement—"Israel: Update on UK Strategic Export Controls" made by my right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary on 21 April 2009 (Official Report, col. 8WS). We have received no reports that UK equipment or components, either directly or indirectly supplied to Israel, have been used in recent skirmishes along the Israel/Lebanon border. However, we are aware that Israeli aircraft do regularly fly over southern Lebanon in breach of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. These aircraft may have included UK-supplied components. We are working with the new US Administration on a wide range of subjects, including strategic exports, and continue to engage them at all levels.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 2506; 710 c87WA
Session: 2008-09
Related items: Israel
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Written statements
House of Lords
Subjects: Armed conflict Arms trade Components Exports Military aircraft USA Israel Palestine Middle East Lebanon Gaza
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk