HC Deb 04 March 1999 vol 326 c829W
Mrs. Gillan

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many applications for arms export licences were outstanding on 4 January. [71843]

Dr. Howells

The Export Control Organisation's computer databases have been interrogated and the following results were obtained. At the end of 4 January 1999, 778 applications for Standard Individual Export Licences (SIELs) and 114 applications for Open Individual Export Licences (OIELs) covering the export of goods subject to export control by being listed in Part III of Schedule 1 to the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994, the so-called Military List, received since 2 May 1997, were awaiting a decision. Some applications may have been received on which no determination had been made as to whether or not the goods were controlled under the Military List. Such applications are not included.

This information should be considered in light of the answer given by my hon. Friend the Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche) to my hon. Friend the Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) on 30 October 1997, Official Report, columns 870–71.

This information does not cover any applications for Media OIELs that may have been pending at this time. Media OIELs authorise the export to all destinations of protective clothing, mainly for the protection of aid agency workers and journalists, when working in areas of conflict.