HC Deb 07 April 1987 vol 114 cc165-6W
Mr. Caborn

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give details of all cases in which prosecutions or Customs compounding have taken place in relation to the supply of arms and related material to South Africa since the adoption of United Nations Security Council resolution 418, 1977.

Mr. Brooke

[pursuant to his reply, 3 April 1987, c. 630]This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Caborn

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action has been taken following the discovery by Her Majesty's Customs officials on 27 February 1986, that cargoes on board the MS St. Maguire at Felixstowe described as agricultural machinery bound for a company known as M & I Engineers Pty, Pretoria, South Africa, were in fact components of 140mm howitzers being exported in breach of the United Nations mandatory arms embargo; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Brooke

[pursuant to his reply, 3 April 1987, c. 630]I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the MS St. Magnus rather than MS St. Maguire. That case involved exports of field guns by Clement Shaw Ltd. and was compounded by Customs and Excise under section 152 of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979.

Mr. Caborn

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action will be taken by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise to investigate allegations that the MV Lady Anita exported 140 howitzers from Felixstowe on 28 November 1984 which were destined for South Africa in breach of the United Nations mandatory arms embargo.

Mr. Brooke

[pursuant to his reply, 3 April 1987, c. 630]Following investigation by Customs and Excise, this case was compounded under section 152 of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979.

Mr. Caborn

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give details of the results of the investigation into Clement Shaw Ltd in relation to possible breaches of the United Nations mandatory arms embargo; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Brooke

[pursuant to his reply, 3 April 1987, c. 630]The case involved the export of field guns and spare parts to South Africa. It was compounded by Customs and Excise under section 152 of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979.

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