Written question asked by Caroline Lucas (Green Party) on Wednesday, 2 November 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 November 2011. It was answered by Lord Hammond of Runnymede (Conservative) on Monday, 21 November 2011 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Armed Trade: Cluster Munitions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if (a) he and (b) the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for International Security, were aware (i) prior to and (ii) during the Parliamentary Under-Secretary's attendance at the IDEX arms fair in February 2011 in the United Arab Emirates, that cluster munitions were being sold at the fair; and if he will make it his policy not to send any Government representatives to attend arms fairs that promote products banned in the UK; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Defence Ministers attend exhibitions as part of our defence diplomacy initiative and to promote UK industry overseas. They are not routinely made aware of items that will be on show at defence and security exhibitions in advance of attendance.Exhibitors are bound by the laws and conventions of the host country organising the event, which may differ to UK laws. The United Arab Emirates is not a signatory to the convention on cluster munitions. However, UK firms are subject to UK legislation, including the Cluster Munitions Act.

Secondary information