HC Deb 16 December 1996 vol 287 cc426-7W
Mrs. Clwyd

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if the Crown Agents and its subsidiary companies require export licences when exporting or trans-shipping military, security, police or paramilitary equipment or services. [8656]

Mr. Nelson

The Crown Agents and its subsidiary companies are subject to the same licensing requirements as UK-registered companies.

Mrs. Clwyd

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if the Crown Agents and its subsidiary companies required export licences prior to privatisation when exporting or trans-shipping military, security, police or paramilitary equipment or services. [8657]

Mr. Nelson

The Crown Agents and its subsidiary companies are subject to the same licensing requirements as UK-registered companies. Privatisation will not affect this position.

Mrs. Clwyd

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if a British-based company is required to apply for an export licence for military, security, police or paramilitary goods or equipment when the goods or equipment are to be exported or shipped by the Crown Agents. [8658]

Mr. Nelson

Where placing a contract and also arranging shipping, the Crown Agents would normally apply for any licence required. Where the Crown Agents act purely as a freight forwarder, the supplier of the goods concerned would have to apply for any necessary licence.

Mrs. Clwyd

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if a British-based company was required to apply for an export licence for military, security, police or paramilitary goods or equipment when the goods or equipment were exported or shipped by the Crown Agents prior to the privatisation of the Crown Agents. [8659]

Mr. Nelson

Where placing a contract and also arranging shipping, the Crown Agents would normally apply for any licence required. Where the Crown Agents act purely as a freight forwarder, the supplier of the goods concerned would have to apply for any necessary licence. Privatisation will not affect the licensing requirements.