§ Mr. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the Government's policy on the sale of arms to Taiwan; what authorisation is needed by a firm intending to sell arms to Taiwan; whether any breaches of this system of authorisation have been reported to the Government since May 1979; and what penalties exist to deter breaches.
§ Mr. PattieA firm intending to sell arms to any overseas country must apply for an export licence as required by the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1981. It remains Government policy not to grant export licences for the supply of arms to Taiwan.
As far as can be determined, no breaches of this requirement have been reported. Penalties for making a false statement in applying for an export licence are covered in article 5 of the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1981. Section 5 of the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1981. Section 68 of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 prescribes penalties for exporting goods without a licence where one is required.