§ Mr. Robert BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements are in hand for British participation in the register of international arms sales, effected on 1 January.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI have been asked to reply.
Information on 1992 weapons deliveries for the purposes of the register will be required by the UN by 30 April 1993. The disclosure by Britain of such information will require additional powers. The Government intend to bring the necessary legislation before the House early in the next Parliament. In the meantime, the Department of Trade and Industry has written to exporters of equipment in the register's categories to advise them of the need to provide information early next year.