Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Chris Bryant (Labour). It was answered on Monday, 13 December 2010 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Defence Exports

Question: Of course we all want to see a successful defence industry exporting as much as possible abroad, but must there not be a bottom line, namely that we do not sell to corrupt countries or to countries that will use what they buy from us to oppress their own people? In that context, is it not important for us to ensure that exports of small arms—which often keep inflamed the battles and civil wars in Africa—are brought to an end?

Answer: I hope that the hon. Gentleman would be the first to accept that we have one of the toughest export licensing controls for military equipment in the world. I yield to no one in praising the efforts of both the present Government and the last Conservative Government to ensure that, as far as possible, equipment has gone to the right people and not to those who would misuse it. We are, of course, governed by the law as well. I entirely take the hon. Gentleman's point about small arms, but unfortunately the world is awash with small arms, many of which do not come from the United Kingdom.

Secondary information