HC Deb 11 January 1999 vol 323 cc83-4W
Mr. Woodward

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to incorporate the EU Code of Conduct on arms sales into UK law. [64708]

Mr. Tony Lloyd

EU Member States adopted the Code of Conduct on Arms Exports as a political commitment rather than as a Joint Action or Common Position, which would have been legally binding. It would not therefore be appropriate to incorporate the Code of Conduct in UK law, especially as our national arms export licensing criteria, which are similar to those in the Code of Conduct, are not thus incorporated.

Mr. Woodward

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to publish detailed annual reports on arms exports; and if he will make a statement. [64709]

Mr. Tony Lloyd

As to the content of the Government's first annual report on the UK's strategic export controls, I refer the hon. Member to my reply of 14 July 1998 to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Dr, Jones),Official Report, column 149. As to the timing of publication, I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Ruislip-Northwood (Mr. Wilkinson) on 27 November 1998, Official Report, column 38.