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Blowpipe

Volume 118: debated on Monday 29 June 1987

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asked the Prime Minister (1) what machinery exists to monitor the efficacy of end-users' certificates in relation to the export of Blowpipe missiles to Afghanistan;(2) if she will specify the circumstances in which Her Majesty's Government insist on the inclusion of transfer clauses in arms sales agreements with United States governmental agencies or citizens; and if she will list each such occasion since 1 January 1985 and the weapon system involved in each case;(3) if she will list each country or person in respect of which Her Majesty's Government have authorised the supply of Blowpipe surface-to-air missiles, if she will specify the steps taken in each case to ensure that the missiles did not fall into unauthorised hands; and what information she has as to whether any Blowpipe missiles have been passed on by their authorised recipients in breach of the relevant end-user certificates.

It has been the practice of successive Administrations not to comment on matters of this kind.

asked the Prime Minister what information Her Majesty's Government have about the use of Blowpipe missiles in Nicaragua and as to the sources, direct or indirect of those weapons.

I am advised that there is no evidence of the presence or use of Blowpipe missiles in Nicaragua. The United States Government have assured us that there are no Blowpipe missiles in Contra hands and that they have no intention to supply them.