There is a concern that if we are exporting arms, it is extremely difficult to track down where they end up. Column 397 system to implement, given that monitoring will be difficult. However, having pre-scrutiny in place would surely allow the concerns of pressure groups and others, via Members, to highlight some of the potential concerns about how end misuse could take place. Friend is saying about the need for pre-scrutiny of arms sales. If a disparate group of Members can do that, I am sure that the Government can make the same journey.
Friend makes an excellent point.
If four respected groups have come together in that way, there is still the opportunity for the Government to listen to the concerns that have been expressed. I hope that the Government will indicate that the issue is still open for discussion. One reason why we need to have a system of pre-scrutiny in place is what has been taking place in Indonesia. For those of us who are interested in human rights issues, it seems a fine example of why we need to have proper arms export controls in place. One of the most disappointing things that the Government did was to continue with the contracts to supply Hawk jets to Indonesia.