Dr. Tony WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what structures for parliamentary scrutiny and accountability in member states are contained in the UK proposals for an EU code of conduct on arms sales. [28175]
§ Mr. Tony LloydOur proposals develop the EU's 8 Common Criteria agreed in 1991 and 1992, using language in the UK's national criteria announced by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary on 28 July 1997. Neither set of criteria includes structures for parliamentary scrutiny and accountability and we are not proposing such structures in the Code of Conduct. The role of national parliaments in the export licensing process is a matter for Member States. At a national level, we are committed to reporting annually to Parliament on the application of strategic export controls in order to ensure transparency and accountability.