§ Mr. Batisteasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what representations he has received concerning the current COCOM agreement; and if he will place copies in the Library;
(2) what guidance has been given to British companies by Her Majesty's Government concerning the current COCOM agreement;
(3) whether the current COCOM agreement will involve the cancellation of any contracts or the withdrawal of any bids by British companies.
§ Mr. ChannonI take it that my hon. Friend is referring to the agreement reached in COCOM on 12 July 1984 on controls relating to computers, software and switching systems of which I gave details in answer to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham, South (Mr. Brandon-Bravo) on 20 July at columns370–1. I have received a number of representations; my Department issued an "Open letter to Industry" on 27 July 1984, has arranged a number of briefings for industry and my officials remain ready to give detailed guidance on individual cases.
Details of revised licensing requirements will be contained in a new Export of Goods (Control) Order which I hope will be made available early next year, and my Department also intends to issue at that time a revised version of the booklet "Security Export Controls" which contains guidance on all goods subject to United Kingdom export controls for reasons of security. I am not aware of any contracts entered into by British companies which will need to be cancelled as a result of this agreement. It is for 1008W individual companies to decide on the future of current bids, taking into account the new export licensing requirements and projected delivery times.