Arms Export Controls
John Bercow, who is a member of the Committee on Arms Export Controls, raises India's track record of heavy arms sales to Burma during a debate on the Committee's report to Parliament.
John Bercow (Buckingham) (Con): The hon. Gentleman will recall that when giving evidence, the Minister referred us to ongoing discussions between non-governmental organisations and defence manufacturers about category B issues. On the subject of the possibility of a register of brokers, does the hon. Gentleman recall that we pressed Ministers for a conclusion to the work undertaken since 2007? I suggested that it was being farmed out into the long grass, and the Minister said that it was important not to make a hasty decision, of which I assured him he was in no danger.
Roger Berry: I recall that conversation. The Committees have again recommended that there should be a register. I, too, look forward to the Minister’s response on that issue later in the debate, as it is important.
John Bercow: It has done. I rarely disagree with the hon. Gentleman on these matters, but I think that he errs on the side of generosity towards the powers that be, and I caution him against the development of such a tendency. Off the top of my head, I suggest that one would have good grounds for suspicion in relation to India. India has a long, undistinguished and ignoble track record of heavy arms sales to Burma, and it seems keen not to be outdone on the commercial front by China. We must be very careful.
Roger Berry: I am extremely grateful for that intervention. I withdraw my comment without reservation. The hon. Gentleman is right. India does have form in relation to Burma, and I have been far too kind to the Government. I hope that the record will be corrected by my comments.
John Bercow: Obviously, the Secretary of State in any Department is ultimately responsible for all that happens or fails to happen in it. It would be a matter of some interest to establish when the decision on the restricted status was made and by whom. Did the Minister make it or was he acting under orders? We really need to be told.
Sir John Stanley: I am sure that the Minister who is replying to the debate has heard what my hon. Friend said.