§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the role played by his Department in co-ordination of United Kingdom participation in negotiating in EC instruments relating to export controls and an export licensing policy compatible with single market obligations.
§ Mr. NeedhamMy Department is co-ordinating the United Kingdom's contribution to the continuing negotiations on the proposed EC regulation covering export controls on certain dual-use goods and technologies. Other Government Departments and agencies which have an interest in export control matters have also participated fully.
The Government's aim in the negotiations is to enhance enforcement of export controls in the context of the single European market, to ensure that the United Kingdom's ability to apply export controls in line with national foreign and security policy is maintained, and to protect the interest of United Kingdom exporters. The House will be informed of the outcome of the negotiations.