§ Sir David SteelTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to publish a consultation paper including proposals for(a) the content of new legislation in place of the Import, Export and Customs Powers (Defence) Act 1939 and (b) an export licensing system as recommended by Sir Richard Scott. [21298]
§ Mr. LangI have agreed to publish a consultation paper covering export control legislation and licensing procedures. The aim is to issue the paper by this summer.
§ Sir David SteelTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to make available for public inspection applications for military equipment export licences in advance of the licence application being considered; and if he will make a statement. [21545]
§ Mr. LangAs a response to the recommendations of Sir Richard Scott in his report, I have agreed to publish a consultation paper covering export control legislation and licensing procedures. This will cover consideration of the extent to which details of licence applications should be published. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has agreed to a review of the convention by which replies to parliamentary questions on arms sales are refused, and an information paper on this has already been placed in the Library of the House.