§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what investigations have taken place into the role of Mil-Tec in supplying arms to the former Rwandan Government; and if he will make a statement; [5993]
(2) if he will prosecute any individual involved in breaking the UN embargo on the supply of arms to Rwanda. [5994]
§ Mr. Oppenheim[holding answer 25 November 1996]The investigation and prosecution of any alleged breaches of UK legislation implementing arms embargoes is a matter for the commissioners of Customs and Excise. Anyone in possession of information which might suggest that offences have been committed should make that material available to the commissioners.
§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what prosecutions have been pursued against British companies in breach of UN arms embargoes or in breach of EU arms embargoes; and what was the relevant export destination. [5777]
§ Mr. Oppenheim[holding answer 25 November 1996]There have been a number of UN and EU arms embargoes stretching back over many years. Prosecutions undertaken have been made under UK general export control legislation and do not necessarily identify the embargoes which underlay the prosecutions. Identification of the underlying embargo, to the extent that it would now be possible, would be at disproportionate cost.