§ Norman LambTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how a favourable judgment under the F680 Procedure is communicated to the applicant for that export licence; and how many export licences have been refused in each of the last five years following a favourable judgment upon them under the F680 procedure. [63689]
§ Dr. MoonieThe Government provides companies with marketing advice under the F680 procedure through issue of a standard letter. It is routinely made clear in such letters that the advice given does not constitute an export licence, nor does it prejudge a decision on the eventual consideration of an export licence application.
It is not possible to correlate F680 advice with export licensing decisions, as the processes are quite separate. For example, F680s may he seeking advice in general terms about marketing prospects which may relate partially to the export that is eventually licensed.
§ Norman LambTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many applications have been made for advice under the F680 procedure in each of the last five years. [63688]
§ Dr. MoonieThe total number of F680 applications received by the Ministry of Defence requesting marketing advice and release of classified information is shown in the table below:
Year (1 January-31 December) Number of Applications 1997 2,219 1998 2,325 1999 2,092 2000 1,892 2001 1,732