§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many recommendations of the Scott Inquiry into military and dual-use equipment sales to Iraq have been implemented since 1 May 1997; what are the reasons for the outstanding recommendations not being implemented; and if he will set out the timetable for the implementation of those recommendations accepted by ministers but not yet implemented. [110650]
§ Dr. HowellsI have been asked to reply.
On 1 May 1997, the recommendations contained in Sections K2 and K3 of the Scott Report, on the power of Government to control exports and on export licensing procedures respectively, remained outstanding. In response to these recommendations the Government published their White Paper on Strategic Export Controls in July 1998 (Cm 3989). The Government will announce proposals for new export control legislation in due course, following conclusion of the review of the White Paper proposals in the light of responses received. The Government are committed to introducing a new export control Bill as soon as time is available in the legislative programme.