§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what have been the effects of the latest United States Export Administration Act on British exports; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkThe Export Administration Amendment Act 1985 maintains the United States claim to jurisdiction over exports from the United Kingdom of certain United States origin goods and technology or goods incorporating United States components. This can have the effect of delaying or preventing exports that are legal under United Kingdom law. The Government's policy is normally to allow firms to make their own commercial judgment about whether to comply with the United States regulations. But the Government have made it clear on many occasions that they do not accept the United States claims to extraterritorial jurisdiction and regard them as an infringement of United Kingdom sovereignty.