§ Mr. ChidgeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs under what circumstance export licences are granted for(a) over-sized cuffs and(b) leg-irons manufactured in the UK. [82941]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienMy right hon. Friend, the then Foreign Secretary (Mr Robin Cook) announced on 28 July 1997 (Official Report, column 65W) a complete ban on the export or transhipment from the UK of electric-shock batons, stun guns, lasers, leg-irons, gang chains, shackles (excluding normal handcuffs) and electric-shock belts designed for the restraint of a human being. The necessary amendment to the Export of Goods (Control) Order came into force in December 1997.
All export licence applications for over-sized handcuffs are rigorously assessed on a case by case basis against the consolidated EU and national arms export licensing criteria and other announced Government policies. This includes consideration of the risk of the over-sized handcuffs being used as, or converted into, leg irons or shackles.