§ Mr. BatisteTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what the results of the public consultation on strategic export controls were; and when he will announce what action the Government will be taking in response to the consultation. [17297]
§ Mr. LangI am placing copies of the responses received to the consultative document on strategic export controls (Cm 3349), except where confidentiality has been requested in the Libraries of both Houses. I am also placing copies in the library of my Department where members of the public can arrange to see them if they wish.
My Department, in consultation with other Departments, is considering the way forward on strategic export controls, taking account of the responses received to the consultation. Where relevant, the conclusions of the committee established in November to inquire into the controls and procedures relating to arms trafficking, set out in the reply given on 21 January by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary will also be taken into account.
Given the complexity of the subject some further, more detailed consultation with directly interested parties is likely to be needed in developing any proposed changes to strategic export controls. An announcement will be made in due course.