HC Deb 26 March 1996 vol 274 cc473-4W
Mr. Cousins

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if(a) a skim or cruise missile system without warheads fitted and (b) the parts, plans and technology for such a system are (i) a licensable export and (ii) defined as a lethal weapon; and under which heading of the export control orders such a system would be recorded. [22653]

Mr. Oppenheim

Export controls cover all missiles and their related specially designed parts, plans and technology. The controls apply equally to skim and cruise types irrespective of whether the missile is fitted with a warhead.

The relevant controls are found in the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994, schedule 1, part III, group 1, under ML4 for the missiles and specially designed parts, and under ML18 and PL 5027 for the technology and plans.

Mr. Cousins

To ask the President of the Board of Trade which parts, plans, and technology for skim and cruise missile systems are covered by missile technology control regime restrictions; and what considerations of(a) range and (b) performance underlie this assessment. [22656]

Mr. Oppenheim

The missile technology control regime, MTCR, establishes lists of missiles equipment and technology subject to control. The lists are long and complex and I am placing a copy in the Library of the House.

The MTRC controls any missile, including skim and cruise types, which falls into either of two categories. Category I covers missiles capable of delivering a 500 kg payload to a range of 300 km or more. Category II, covers all other missiles with a range of 300 km or more, irrespective of payload. In assessing missile performance, it is necessary to take into account the ability to trade off range and payload.