§ Mr. Gouldasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations he has made to the United States Department of Commerce about the operation in the United Kingdom of the United States export licence system governing advanced systems; what evidence he has of this system being enforced in the United Kingdom by inspections by the United States authorities; if any co-operation is being offered by the United Kingdom authorities in this regard; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkThe Government have firmly put on record their objections of principle to the extra territorial claims implicit in the new US distribution licence regulations, both bilaterally and through the European Community. The US authorities have sought the Government's agreement to US officials visiting a number254W of British companies in connection with the regulations. My officials have been in touch with the companies concerned but no such visits have yet been approved. The Government are considering whether to agree to the proposed visits and if so on what terms.