HC Deb 11 January 1995 vol 252 cc158-9W
Mr. Cousins

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the changes to controlled items for export introduced since 1984 as a result of concerns about biological and chemical weapons and materials; which items were listed; and under what statutory authority.

Mr. Heseltine

A chronological list of the items controlled and relevant changes since 1984 could only be provided at disproportionate cost. Items currently controlled because of concerns about chemical and biological weapons proliferation include any chemical warfare agent or biological agent which has been adapted for use in war, certain specific chemical precursors, biological agents, toxins, vaccines and certain chemical and biological dual-use equipment. These are listed under headings ML7, 1C350–354, 1C992 and 2B350–352 of the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994. In addition, under schedule 1 part II of the order, any other goods are subject to control if the exporter knows or suspects they are intended or likely to be used for CBW purposes.

The order, a copy of which is available in the Library of the House, was made under the statutory authority of the Import, Export and Customs Powers (Defence) Act 1939 as amended by the Import and Export Control Act 1990.