HC Deb 02 December 1997 vol 302 cc124-6W
Mr. Letwin

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arms have been licensed for export to Indonesia since 1 May; which arms have been denied such a licence; and on what grounds. [16076]

Mrs. Beckett

I have been asked to reply.

The Export Control Organisation's computer databases have been interrogated and the following results obtained.

Between 2 May and 13 November, decisions were taken on 27 applications for standard or open individual licences to export to Indonesia goods controlled under entries in Part III of Schedule I to the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994 (the so-called "Military List"). The entry in the relevant legislation under which the export of goods is controlled is known as their rating.

Decisions on applications for standard individual export licences during the period
Rating Number of licences granted covering goods with this rating Number of applications refused covering goods with this rating
ML1 0 2
ML4 2 0
ML5 1 0
ML6 0 1
ML7 1 0
ML10 5 0
ML11 11 0
ML13 1 0
ML14 1 1
Total 22 4

Decisions on applications for open individual export licences (OIELs) during the period
Rating Number of licences granted covering goods with this rating Number of applications refused covering goods with this rating
ML13 11 0
1 This OIEL was issued for the export to any destination, including Indonesia, of certain goods for use by specified persons working in the media.

However, this information should be considered in light of the answer given on 30 October 1997, Official Report, columns 256–58, by my hon. Friend the Minister for Small Firms, Trade and Industry to my hon. Friend the Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint).

In addition to the above, goods on the Military List may have been exported to Indonesia during the period concerned under the following Open General Export Licences (OGELs): OGEL (technology for military goods), OGEL (military surplus vehicles), OGEL (export after repair: military goods) and OGEL (export after exhibition: military goods). I am arranging for copies of all current OGELs to be placed in the Library of the House.

The decision to refuse the applications listed above were made after careful consideration of each case against the criteria announced to the House by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary on 28 July 1997, Official Report, columns 26–29.