HC Deb 01 February 1999 vol 324 cc499-506W
Mr. Brake

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the quantity of small arms for which export licences were granted in each of the last five years in respect of (a) China, (b) Zambia, (c) the Sudan and (d) Serbia and Montenegro. [65884]

Dr. Howells

The export of specified small arms is controlled under entries ML1 and PL5018 in the Export of Goods (Control) Order, which also cover specified accessories and specially designed components. The entry in the legislation under which the export of goods is controlled is known as their rating.

The Export Control Organisation's computer databases have been interrogated and the following results were obtained. Between 1 January 1994 and 31 December 1998, 60 Standard Individual Export Licences (SIELs) were issued covering the export to consignees or end-users in Zambia of goods covered by these ratings. Two Open Individual Export Licences (OIELs) were also issued covering such exports on which Zambia was a permitted destination. It would entail disproportionate cost to determine the quantity of small arms covered by these licences.

Individual licences issued in each year covering the export to Zambia of goods with the ratings ML1 or PL5018
Number of SIELs issued covering goods with rating ML1 Number of OIELs issued covering goods with rating Number of SIELs issued covering goods with rating Ratings PL5018 Number of OIELs issued covering goods with rating
1994 9 0 6 0
1995 10 0 12 0
1996 12 0 6 0
1997 5 0 1 0
1998 1 2 0 0

In the same period, no individual export licences were issued for the export of goods with these ratings to consignees or end-users in the People's Republic of China, Sudan or the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

This information should be considered in light of the answer given by my hon. Friend the Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche) to my hon. Friend the Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) on 30 October 1997, Official Report, columns 870–71.

There is no internationally agreed definition of "small arms". It is possible that some weapons controlled under other ratings could be called small arms; for instance a 12-bore shotgun with a calibre greater than 12.7mm would be controlled under entry ML2.

Certain Open General Export Licences (OGELs) cover, for a range of specified countries (including Zambia), the return of weapons controlled under entries ML1 and PL5018, subject to the conditions of the licence in each case. These include the Open General Export Licence (Export After Repair: Military Goods). Zambia is also a permitted destination on the Open General Export Licence (Export After Exhibition: Military Goods). The export of such weapons to Zambia is also covered by the Open General Export Licence (Export for Repair/Replacement Under Warranty: Military Goods). Copies of all Open General Export Licences valid at any time during the period are in the Library of the House. No OGELs cover the export of such goods to the People's Republic of China, Sudan or the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

Ann Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many licences have been granted for the export of military and paramilitary goods to Sri Lanka for the last five years, in each case listing the categories under which the licences were issued. [66377]

Dr. Howells

The entry in the relevant legislation under which the export of goods is controlled is known as their rating.

The Export Control Organisation's computer databases have been interrogated and the following results were obtained. Between 1 January 1994 and 31 December 1998, 360 Standard Individual Export Licences (SIELs) and 34 Open Individual Export Licences (OIELs) were issued covering the export to consignees or end-users in Sri Lanka of goods 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. Individual licences may cover a range of goods with various ratings. Where this is so, the licence is included in the Table in the total for all of the relevant ratings.

Individual Licenses issued between

1 January 1994 and 31 December 1998 covering

the export to Sri Lanka of goods on the Military List

Rating Number of SIELs issued covering goods with this rating Number of OIELs issued covering goods with this rating
ML1 73 1
ML2 16 1
ML3 35 1
ML4 45 4
ML5 14 3
ML6 10 3
ML7 4 0
ML8 1 1
ML9 4 0
ML10 12 8
ML11 102 8
ML13 6 6
ML14 5 1
ML15 22 1
ML18 0 3
ML21 2 2
ML22 3 1
PL5001 2 1
PL5002 8 0
PL5006 1 0
PL5017 2 1
PL5018 6 0
PL5021 3 0
PL5027 1 0
PL5030 2 0

This information does not cover 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 the answer given by my hon. Friend the Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche) to my hon. Friend the Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) on 30 October 1997, Official Report, columns 870–71.

In addition, certain goods on the Military List may have been exported to Sri Lanka under certain Open General Export Licences; copies of all Open General Export Licences valid at any time during the period are in the Library of the House.

Ann Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many applications for the export of(a) paramilitary, (b) security and (c) police equipment to Indonesia have been (i) granted, (ii) refused and (iii) revoked since 10 May 1998; and if he will indicate the export licence category in each case. [66616]

Dr. Howells

The entry in the relevant legislation under which the export of goods is controlled is known as their rating.

The Export Control Organisation's computer databases have been interrogated and the following results were obtained. Between 11 May and 31 December 1998, 17 Standard Individual Export Licences (SIELs) and 8 Open Individual Export Licences (OIELs) were issued covering the export to consignees or end-users in Indonesia of goods 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. In the same period, no such licences were revoked and one standard individual export licence application, covering goods with a rating of ML1, was refused.

Individual licences may cover a range of goods with various ratings. Where this is so, the licence is included in the Table in the total for all of the relevant ratings.

Individual licenses issued between 10 May and 31 December 1998 covering the export to Indonesia of goods on the Military List
Rating Number of SIELs issued covering goods with this rating Number of OIELs issued covering goods with this rating
ML4 0 1
ML5 1 1
ML6 0 1
ML9 1 0
ML10 11 3
ML11 3 4
ML14 0 1
ML15 0 1
ML21 1 2
ML22 0 2
PL5017 2 0

This information should be considered in light of the answer given by my hon. Friend the Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche) to my hon. Friend the Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) on 30 October 1997, Official Report, columns 870–71.

In addition, goods on the Military List may have been exported to Indonesia under certain Open General Export Licences; copies of all Open General Export Licences valid at any time during the period are in the Library of the House.

As my hon. Friend the Member for Hornsey and Wood Green said in her answers to my hon. Friend of 8 April 1998, Official Report, columns 345–46, and 3 June 1998, Official Report, column 227, it is not possible to break down these data in the manner requested as the equipment covered by many entries in the Military List could be used by military, paramilitary or police end-users.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what export licences are required for(a) military goods and (b) dual-use goods exported by the Crown. [66236]

Dr. Howells

[holding answer 19 January 1999]: The export of controlled military goods is controlled under the Export of Goods (Control) Order, made under the provisions of the Import, Export and Customs Powers (Defence) Act 1939. As the 1939 Act does not bind the Crown, no licence is required. As regards exports of dual-use goods, I refer the hon. Member to the answer of 1 December 1998 to my hon. Friend the Member for Selby (Mr. Grogan), Official Report, columns 123–24.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what licences have been granted to the Crown Agents since 1 May 1997 for military or dual-use goods, by category; [66237]

(2) if he will list the export licences for tear gas or plastic bullets (a) given to and (b) applied for by the Crown Agents since 1 May 1997; [66239]

(3) how many export licences have been given to the Crown Agents since 1 May 1997 for goods in the ML7 category. [66240]

Dr. Howells

[holding answers 19 January 1999]: I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible, and place a copy of that letter in the Library of the House.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what export licences have been issued to International Military Sales Ltd. since 1 May 1997; [66242]

(2) what documentation has been required for export licences issued to International Military Sales Ltd. [66243]

Dr. Howells

[holding answers 19 January 1999]: The Export Control Organisation's computer databases have been interrogated, and no standard or open individual licences are recorded as having been issued to this company between 2 May 1997 and 31 December 1998. This information should be considered in light of the answer given by my hon. Friend the Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche) to my hon. Friend the Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) on 30 October 1997, Official Report, columns 870–71.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what military or dual-use goods have been exported without licences by the Crown Agents since 1 May 1997, by category. [66238]

Dr. Howells

[holding answer 19 January 1999]: The Export Control Organisation of the Department of Trade and Industry maintains records of applications for licences required under the Export of Goods (Control) Order (1994), EC Regulation 3381–94 and related Council Decision 94/942/CFSP, or the Dual-Use and Related Goods (Export Control) Regulations 1996. It does not compile records either of licensed exports or of exports for which no licence has been issued.

Mr. Alan Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the export licences granted to Procurement Services International to export military equipment to Indonesia. [67573]

Dr. Howells

I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible, and place a copy of that letter in the Library of the House.

Mr. Alan Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list military equipment exported to Indonesia since 1 May 1997. [67602]

Dr. Howells

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the then President of the Board of Trade on 2 December 1997,Official Report, columns 124–26, to the hon. Member for West Dorset (Mr. Letwin) and my predecessor's replies of 8 April 1998, Official Report, columns 345–46, and of 3 June 1998, Official Report, column 227, and to PQ number 66616 tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for Cynon Valley (Ann Clwyd), answered today, Official Report, columns 502–03.

I would also refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Central (Mr. Lloyd), to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Dr. Jones) on 14 July 1998, Official Report, column 149.

Mrs. Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to introduce legislation to regulate the overseas licensed production and export of military, security and police equipment by a UK company in a second country; and what representations he has received on these matters. [66891]

Dr. Howells

[holding answer 25 January 1999]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Cynon Valley (Ann Clwyd) on 12 January 1999, Official Report, columns 149–50, and to the answers given by my hon. Friend the Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche) to my hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton, South-West (Ms Jones) on 14 December 1998, Official Report, column 364, and to my hon. Friend the Member for Cynon Valley on 12 January 1999, Official Report, column 151.

Mrs. Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the operation by other states of a legal right to advance public scrutiny of export licence applications for military, security and police equipment transfers. [66893]

Dr. Howells

[holding answer 25 January 1999]: In the course of our review of the proposals contained in the White Paper on Strategic Export Controls in the light of responses received, we are also examining, where it is relevant to do so, legislation and practice in other countries.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what measures are currently available to prevent British manufacturers of equipment entered in Part III of Schedule I to the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994, from licensing production in countries where such equipment might be used for internal repression or international aggression, or pose a risk to regional stability; [67896]

(2) what measures he is taking to ensure that UK and European export control mechanisms are not undermined by licensed production agreements; and if he will make a statement. [67892]

Dr. Howells

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer of 12 January 1999,Official Report, columns 149–50, to my hon. Friend the Member for Cynon Valley (Ann Clwyd).

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many licences for the export of goods entered in Part III of Schedule I to the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994 to Indonesia have been granted and denied since 1 May 1997. [67895]

Dr. Howells

[holding answer 26 January 1999]: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the then President of the Board of Trade on 2 December 1997, Official Report, columns 124–26, to the hon. Member for West Dorset (Mr. Letwin) and my predecessor's replies of 8 April 1998, Official Report, columns 345–46 and of 3 June 1998, Official Report, column 227 and to PQ number 66616 tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for Cynon Valley (Ann Clwyd), answered today, Official Report, columns 502–03.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many licences for the export of goods entered in Part III of Schedule I to the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994 have been granted since 1 May 1997 in respect of(a) Afghanistan, (b) Angola, (c) Rwanda and (d) Yugoslavia. [67898]

Dr. Howells

[holding answer 26 January 1999]: The entry in the relevant legislation under which the export of goods is controlled is known as their rating. The Export Control Organisation's computer databases have been interrogated and the following results were obtained. Between 2 May 1997 and 8 January 1999, 23 standard individual export licences (SIELs) were issued covering the export to consignees or end-users in the specified countries of goods subject to export control by being listed in Part III of Schedule I to the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994, the so-called Military List. In the same period, no such Open Individual Export Licences were issued.

Individual licences may cover a range of goods with various ratings. Where this is so, the licence is included in the Table in the total for all the relevant ratings.

Individual licences issued between 2 May 1997 and 8 January 1999 covering the export of goods on the Military List
Rating Number of SIELs issued covering goods with this rating
Afghanistan
ML4 1
ML13 1
Angola
ML4 1
ML6 4
ML11 7
ML13 1
PL5031 1
PL5033 1
Rwanda
ML6 1
ML11 4
Individual licenses issued between 2 May 1997 and 8 January 1999 covering the exports of goods on the Military List
Rating Number of SIELs issued covering goods with this rating
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
ML10 1

This information does not cover 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 predecessor's answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) on 30 October 1997, Official Report, columns 870–71.

Mrs. Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the planned contents of the annual report on strategic export controls and their application as proposed in the White Paper "Strategic Export Controls". [66894]

Dr. Howells

[holding answer 25 January 1999]: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Central (Mr. Lloyd), to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Dr. Jones) on 14 July 1998, Official Report, column 149.

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