§ Mr. Ashtonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry why export licences are necessary for video tape recordings; why individual licences for separate countries are required for eastern Europe; and, in view of the administrative work involved when tapes have to pass through several countries for auditioning, sales, and re-exporting, if he will seek to remove the necessity for such licences.
§ Mr. Michael NobleVideo tapes are subject to export control for strategic reasons in accordance with our international obligations. The nature of this control makes it necessary to issue licences for each consignment to destinations other than the Commonwealth, the Republic of Ireland, the Republic of South Africa, or the United States of America.