§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Prime Minister (1) what licensing controls there are at present to prevent the export by United Kingdom companies of equipment specifically intended for use by security or secret police forces in countries where there is flagrant and persistent violation of human rights;
(2) what supervision is exercised by the Government over the export by United Kingdom companies of equipment for the use of security and police forces in countries where there is flagrant and persistent violation of human rights;
(3) if she will make it her policy that no equipment that is similar to that supplied by British firms to the regime of President Amin in Uganda will in future be exported from the United Kingdom by British companies to Governments guilty of flagrant and persistent abuse of human rights.
§ The Prime MinisterMilitary and para-military police equipment requires an export licence and control is exercised at the ports. Human rights considerations are one of the factors taken into account in considering applications for such licences.
Civil goods in general are not subject to licensing and such goods could therefore be legally exported to Uganda or any other country. The list of goods under control is reviewed from time to time. The significance of particular equipment in human rights terms is one of the factors taken into account.