Democratic Republic of the Congo

HC Deb 11 July 2000 vol 353 c477W

Mr. Coleman

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the export of a truck to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. [130365]

Mr. Hain

Following consultations with this Department and the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Trade and Industry issued an export licence for an ex-military Bedford 4x4 truck for use by the Catholic Relief Service in Kinshasa. This will provide the Catholic Relief Service with the means to deliver urgent humanitarian assistance. We are satisfied that the truck will not be used for military purposes. This decision is consistent with and does not affect the Government's continued support for the EU Common Position on arms exports to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.