§ Mr. AshtonTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster why special permits are required to take a personal computer or word processor abroad if its capacity is greater than 128K; how many computers have been confiscated since 1985 in accordance with this provision; whether the restrictions are ever revised, and what discussions he has had with other countries regarding the lifting of these restrictions.
§ Mr. Alan Clark[holding answer 23 February 1988]: Controls on the export of such equipment in the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1987 reflect those agreed with COCOM partners. The order raised the "total internal storage" level above which export licences are required from 128K to 640K. However, computers with a lower capacity may still require a licence for other reasons. The COCOM control lists are subject to periodic multilateral review. Aspects of the computer controls are still under consideration.
Figures relating to the detention or seizure by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise of computers can be supplied only at disproportionate cost.