asked the Secretary of State for Trade (1) if, in view of the record of the present Government of Argentina on human rights, he will ensure that the Minister of State does not promote or permit trading agreements for the supply of arms and equipment which could be used against dissidents, during his forthcoming visit to that country;(2) if, in view of the record of the present rulers of Chile on human rights, he will ensure that the Minister of State does not promote or permit trading agreements for the supply of arms or equipment which could be used against dissidents, during his forthcoming visit to that country.

Arms exports are subject to export licensing. Each application is considered on its merits taking into account all relevant factors—political, commercial and those relating to national security. The Minister of State's main purpose in visiting Argentina and Chile is to promote our civil trade.