HC Deb 11 February 1986 vol 91 c419W
Mr. Cohen

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will introduce legislation to prohibit the export of specially designed implements of torture and the export of items where there is reasonable cause to believe that they may be used, directly or indirectly, as implements of torture; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alan Clark

It would not be practicable to control exports of the large range of items in common use which might also be misused as implements of torture. However, it is not our policy to allow the export of items which in our view have a specific application in this field.

Mr. Cohen

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what control he exercises over the export of specially designed implements of torture.

Mr. Alan Clark

I have powers under the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1985 to control the export of certain items which are specially designed to be used for repressive purposes.