HL Deb 13 December 1984 vol 458 c418WA
Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they intend to license the export of software products; what consultations they have had with the United States in drafting proposals, and whether they will consider any representations by the software industry before finalising the necessary legislation.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Lucas of Chilworth)

Earlier this year representatives of the member states of COCOM, including the United Kingdom and the United States, concluded a review begun in October 1982 of the lists of goods subject to export control for strategic reasons. During this review, agreement was reached on future strategic export controls on computer software. A new Export of Goods (Control) Order will be made early in 1985 to implement the results of the review in the United Kingdom. Details of the licensing requirements for software are still under consideration and officials of the Department of Trade and Industry are in touch with industry representatives.