Oral Answers to Questions

Simon Hughes Excerpts

Monday 4th July 2011 Commons Chamber

[Dr Fox]

Assuming our operations continue until September, which is not unrealistic, we assess the cost to be about £260 million. I have set out the details of that in a written answer to the House.

[Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) (LD)]

13. What input his Department has had to the arms export review being undertaken by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

[The Minister for the Armed Forces (Nick Harvey)]

MOD officials have engaged with Foreign Office colleagues on the review of export licensing previously announced on 16 March by the Foreign Secretary.

[Simon Hughes]

Given the considerable interest that there has been in export licences in relation to the middle east and north Africa, and the desire of many of our constituents to see a change in the old regime and system and a reduction in arms sales abroad, will my hon. Friend tell us whether we are likely to have the results of the review before the summer recess, and whether we will have an opportunity to debate them on the Floor of the House?

[Nick Harvey]

I understand that the intention is to publish the findings of the review before the summer recess, but whether there will be the opportunity to debate them in the House is not a matter for me. I assure my right hon. Friend, however, that we continue to operate on a case-by-case basis in the middle east in relation to fresh applications for export licences.