§ Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Prime Minister what customs penalties have been paid by companies or individuals for breaches of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 in relation to the supply of arms or related material; when such penalties were paid; what was the total amount of the penalties; and if all such offences were reported to the United Nations Security Council Committee on the arms embargo to South Africa.
§ The Prime MinisterTwo cases concerning the illegal export of arms or equipment to South Africa have been resolved since 1979. The first in 1980, involving five companies and five individuals, was settled by Customs 385W compounding proceedings under their statutory powers. It is not the Commissioners' practice to reveal details of compounded settlements. The second case in 1982 involved three individuals who were prosecuted and convicted, one receiving nine months' imprisonment with six months' concurrent and £1,000 fine, and the others receiving six and three months' imprisonment respectively.
There is no requirement to report such offences to the United Nations Security Council Committee, but where the Committee has asked for information we have always endeavoured to meet its requests.