HC Deb 15 November 1985 vol 86 cc297-8W
Mr. Ashdown

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the composition of the new COCOM military committee will be.

Mr. Rifkind

COCOM members have agreed to establish, not a military committee, but a group of security and technology experts. This group will produce technical assessments on the transfer of technology to the Soviet bloc and China. All COCOM members are expected to participate in these arrangements.

Mr. Ashdown

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the current negotiations at COCOM.

Mr. Rifkind

COCOM members are currently reviewing the lists of controlled exports to the Soviet bloc and China. The review began this month and we expect it to be completed in about four years' time.