HC Deb 19 October 1993 vol 230 cc201-2W
Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the guidelines or regulations applying to imports and exports of electro shock equipment.

Mr. Needham

The only export regulation for which I am responsible which applies to what might be regarded as "electro shock" equipment is the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1992. Under head 5001(d) export without a licence is prohibited in respect of portable anti-riot devices for administering an electric shock or an incapacitating substance, and specialised components therefor. Under head 5001 (f) there is a similar prohibition in respect of riot control vehicles which have been specially designed or modified to be electrified to repel boarders. So far as imports are concerned, any weapon which is designed or adapted to emit an electric shock against another person would be regarded as a prohibited weapon under section 5(1) (b) of the Firearms Acts 1968–1992. Import of such weapons is restricted to those persons legally authorised to hold them in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what guidelines or regulations are applicable to exporters in respect of(a) manufacture and export of dum dum bullets, (b) export of tear gas, (c) design and construction of prisons for overseas Governments, (d) security equipment such as vehicles for overseas Governments and (e) Frag 12 exploding ammunition; and what particular guidance is given in respect of (i) Israel, (ii) other middle east Governments, (iii) Pakistan and (iv) Thailand.

Mr. Needham

Under the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1992, the export to any destination of ammunition, tear gas and certain vehicles and related equipment for military or paramilitary police use is prohibited without a licence from the Secretary of State. I have no responsibility for regulations in respect of the design and construction of prisons for overseas Governments, other than where goods controlled by the order are to be exported from the United Kingdom as part of such projects. In terms of these export controls my Department gives no specific guidance in respect of the countries mentioned by the hon. Member: guidance in respect of weapons of mass destruction is available in a booklet "Non-Proliferation Controls", a copy of which is in the Library of both Houses. Each export licence application is considered on its merits.