§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he has taken to warn commercial participants in the United States strategic defence initiative programme of the legal problems which may arise from United States contracts under the United States Export Administration Act.
§ Mr. ChannonThe United States strategic defence initiative programme and its implications are still under consideration by the Government. Prospective commercial participants are likely to be aware already of the jurisdictional claims made in US export legislation and the Government's views on such claims. As with commercial contracts in general, however, it will be a matter for the companies concerned to seek their own legal advice before deciding whether or not to enter into agreements.