HC Deb 30 July 1982 vol 28 cc783-4W
Mr. Hardy

asked the Minister for Trade if export licences have been granted in respect of instruments, appliances or weapons which are designed to issue electrical current for purposes of crowd control or for use in penal institutions.

Mr. Peter Rees

The Government exercise strict control over the sale of arms and internal security equipment and each application for an export licence is carefully considered on its merits. Licences for devices of the kind to which the hon. Member refers are occasionally granted, but it is our general policy not to approve exports of such equipment where it could be used for internal repression.

than providing services, and that economic activity is closely interlocked. The contribution of the retail sector is most important: it accounts for about 10 per cent. of GDP, has a turnover in the region of £60 billion and employs some 2½ million people. Government encouragement and support of the service industries in general is a subject for early reassessment. I am placing in the Library a copy of a speech I made on 14 July setting out these considerations in more detail.