§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of the impact on United Kingdom trade with Libya of sanctions against that country. [49435]
§ Mrs. Roche[holding answer 16 July 1998]The Department keeps a watching brief on trade between the United Kingdom and Libya. The United Nations Security Council imposed sanctions on Libya on 15 April 1992. These sanctions relate to a ban on the sale of goods related to the Military and Aviation sectors, a world-wide ban on flights to and from Libya, and restrictions on diplomatic movement. Further sanctions were introduced on 1 December 1993 and relate to oil-related goods and equipment; material for Libyan airfields, making aircraft available to Libya; and extending the earlier provisions related to technical advice and training. The extended measures also introduced a limited assets freeze. The effect of sanctions on United Kingdom trade with Libya has been minimal. Britain's exports to Libya for 1997 401W were £269 million, which equates to a 2.5 per cent. decrease on the end-of-year figure for 1993, the year sanctions were introduced. Imports from Libya for 1997 were £231.4 million compared with £156.6 million in 1993.