§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the Government's policy in respect of the export of missiles which are capable of post delivery conversion from conventional to nuclear use; on what occasions United Kingdom export licences have been granted for such missiles since 1980; and if he will list for each occasion the destination country, and the country given as the end user. [13986]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotExports of missiles require export licences, as do any other defence exports. The consideration given to licence applications covers many248W factors and in the case of missiles includes the obligations we have accepted under the missile technology control regime. This international regime lays down the guidelines and parameters to cover the export of missiles which are capable of nuclear use. It has not been the practice to give details of licences granted for the export of defence equipment.
§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence on which dates since 1980 form F680 export licences were granted and subsequently renewed for the export of precision guided missiles from the United Kingdom to the United Arab Emirates. [13985]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotThe MOD form 680 clearance procedure is not in itself an export licence procedure. It is designed to give companies guidance on the likely Government reaction to an export licence application. In the same way as for export licences, information on MOD form 680 decisions are commercial in confidence.
§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the Ministers responsible for the authorisation of F680 export licences during the periods(a) June to December 1986, (b) June to December 1988 and (c) June to December 1990. [13956]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotDTI Ministers are responsible for authorising export licences. The Ministers for Defence Procurement responsible for authorising F680 guidance were, during the periods(a) and (b) Lord Trefgarne, and during period (c) Mr. Alan Clark.