§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what discussions he has had with the United States Administration about the application of United States laws to subsidiaries in the United Kingdom of United States corporations, in particular in relation to the countering of the Arab trade boycott of Israel; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkNone. But the Government recently made a formal protest to the United States Administration in response to a fine imposed on a United Kingdom subsidiary of a United States corporation of alleged violations of the anti-boycott provisions of the United States Export Administration Act. The Government reject the extraterritorial assertion of United States jurisdiction over companies in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what discussions he has had with the Government of the state of Israel concerning the effects of the Arab boycott on trade with Israel on trade between the United Kingdom and Israel; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkAt the June 1988 meeting of the United Kingdom-Israel Joint Commission, the Israeli delegation500W drew attention to the deleterious effects of the Arab boycott of Israel on bilateral trade. The United Kingdom delegation restated Her Majesty's Government's opposition to the boycott and explained the action they take to counter misapprehension about its effects, when approached by relevant bodies. The boycott has not figured in recent bilateral exchanges between Ministers.
§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he last met the Israeli ambassador; what matters were discussed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkI met the ambassador in June in company with the Israeli Minister for Energy and Infrastructure. We discussed bilateral trade relations and co-operation.
§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he last visited the state of Israel; what matters were discussed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkNeither I nor my departmental colleagues have visited Israel.
§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what guidance his Department issues to companies in respect of the Arab boycott of trade with Israel; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkMy Department issues written guidance on the Arab boycott of Israel to British companies on request; I am placing a copy in the Library of the House.