§ Mr. HancockTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations she has made to the Government's legal officers concerning the prosecution of United Kingdom companies involved in the export of instruments of torture. [6629]
§ Mrs. RocheThe investigation and prosecution of any breaches of UK export controls is a matter for HM Customs and Excise and we would urge anyone in possession of information which might suggest that offences have been committed to make it available to them.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations she has received concerning the export by United Kingdom companies of electric shock devices. [6636]
§ Mrs. RocheMy Department regularly receives representations from individuals and organisations proposing that the Government should ban the export of such devices. We are committed to preventing British companies from manufacturing, selling or procuring equipment designed primarily for torture and to press for a global ban. Work is in hand on how best to take forward this commitment.