§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) that representations he has made to the United States of America concerning its unwillingness to release scientific material for military or strategic reasons; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what information he has as to the incidence of United Kingdom citizens being prevented from participating or attending scientific discussions in the United States of America for military or strategic reasons; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkI am aware of about 10 scientific conferences over the last three years which have been restricted to United States citizens. My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Industry and Information Technology made representations about this when he visited the United States last year. The issue has also been raised with the United States Government by officials on a number of occasions.