§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assurances are sought from United Kingdom companies active in the manufacture, marketing and supply of(a) electro-shock weapons and (b) instruments of torture that such assistance as is given to them will not be used to facilitate trade in and support the marketing of electro-shock weapons.
§ Mr. StewartIn considering applications for licenses for the export of such equipment the DTI, together with advisers in other Government Departments, take special care and consider very carefully the political and military implications of allowing consignments to go overseas. Particular attention is paid to proposed exports to countries with poor human rights records, where the equipment might be used for internal repression.
I understand that ICL Technical Plastics has now confirmed that its company's export records show that no such equipment was ever sold or export licenses sought or approved by the DTI.
§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent representations he has received on the manufacture, marketing and supply of(a) electro-shock weapons and (b) instruments of torture; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StewartMy Department has received a small number of letters from members of the public on this matter.