Written question asked by Ed Davey (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 29 April 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 5 May 1999. It was answered by Derek Fatchett (Labour) on Wednesday, 5 May 1999 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will review the British Government's policy on the granting of export licences for arms sales to Sri Lanka.

Answer: Mr. Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will review the British Government's policy on the granting of export licences for arms sales to Sri Lanka. [83150] Mr. Fatchett: Each licence application is considered scrupulously on a case by case basis against our national criteria and the EU Code of Conduct. We pay particular attention to the Sri Lankan Government's human rights record and its legitimate defence and domestic security interests. HMG do not issue licences if there is a clearly identifiable risk that the equipment might be used for internal repression or international aggression.

Secondary information