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: Equipment

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether components for naval communications and radar for weapon sights and general military aircraft and naval vessels manufactured in the United Kingdom and exported to Israel have been used recently in south Lebanon and Gaza; and, if so, what action they will take.

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. I can also assure you that all available information about UK-supplied equipment being used by the Israeli defence forces during Operation Cast Lead, will be taken into account when we assess future applications. We are also reviewing extant licences to see whether these need to be re-considered in light of the change in circumstances and will report to the Committees on Arms Export Control.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 2505; 710 c87-8WA
Session: 2008-09
Related items: Israel
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Written statements
House of Lords
Subjects: Armed conflict Arms trade Components Exports Israel Palestine Lebanon Gaza
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk