§ Ann ClwydTo ask the President of the Board of Trade how many export licences to British firms for arms have been(a) granted, (b) refused, and (c) revoked for export to Cambodia since May 1997 broken down by category of licence; and what human rights considerations were taken into account when considering the licences. [40811]
§ Mrs. RocheThe Export Control Organisation's computer databases have been interrogated, and the following results were obtained:
Between 2 May 1997 and 3 April 1998, three Standard Individual Export Licences were issued covering the export to consignees or endusers in Cambodia of goods 118W subject to export control by being listed in Part III of Schedule 1 to the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994, the so-called Military List. The entry in the relevant legislation under which the export of goods is controlled is known as their rating. Two of these licences covered goods with a rating of ML4; the other covered goods with a rating of ML13. In addition to those shown above, one Standard Individual Export Licence was issued for an export to Cambodia under the End-Use Control.
In the same period, no Open Individual Export Licences covering such exports were issued; no Standard or Open Individual Export Licences covering such exports were revoked and no applications for Standard or Open Individual Export Licences covering such exports were refused.
This does not include any Media OIELs that may have been issued during this period. Media OIELs authorise the export to all destinations of protective clothing, mainly for the protection of aid agency workers and journalists, when working in areas of conflict.
This information should be considered in light of my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) on 30 October 1997, Official Report, columns 870–71.
During the period, goods on the Military List may have been exported to Cambodia under certain Open General Licences, though it cannot be assumed that any such exports actually took place. Copies of all Open General Licences that were valid at any time during the period are in the Library of the House.
All applications for licences to export goods on the Military List are considered on a case-by-case basis against the criteria announced by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary on 28 July 1997, Official Report, columns 26–29. The Government take into account respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in the recipient country, and will not issue an export licence if there is a clearly identifiable risk that the proposed export might be used for internal repression.