§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans the Government have to bring forward legislation to better regulate the brokering of arms. [110962]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Government do have the powers to control trafficking and brokering under the United Nations Act 1946 where this is necessary to implement a binding UN Resolution. Under the European Communities Act 1972 the Government have the power to provide for enforcement of a Council Regulation prohibiting trafficking and brokering of specified goods, e.g. dual use goods where there is Community competence. However, competence to prohibit trafficking and brokering of arms or military equipment lies with the member states.
The Government's White Paper on Strategic Export Controls, published in July 1998, proposed new legislation to extend the Government's power to control trafficking and brokering in several areas, including with respect to the supply of military equipment to destinations subject to any form of arms embargo and the supply of 954W equipment, the export from the UK of which has been banned because of evidence that goods of the same type have been used in torture.
The Government will announce proposals for new export control legislation in due course, following conclusion of the review of the White Paper proposals in the light of responses received.