§ Harry CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence which issues in the negotiations on ITAR exemptions(a) have been agreed and (b) remain unresolved; and if he will make a statement. [2718]
§ Dr. MoonieThe Government warmly welcome the decision of the US Administration to continue to pursue the Defence Trade Security Initiative, including a limited International Traffic in Army Regulation Waiver for unclassified US exports to the UK announced in May 2000. These measures, if put fully into effect, would be582W significant steps towards achieving the objective agreed between the Prime Minister and President Bush at Camp David in February 2001 of
"… increased co-operation in transatlantic defence trade and to the removal of unnecessary barriers and impediments to such trade.Negotiations resumed with the new Administration in May.
Progress has been made in establishing that US and UK export control systems are comparably effective and that there is a high level of commonality between the US Munition List and the UK Military List. The proposals for the introduction, under the Export Control Bill, of UK export controls over electronic transfers of military technology will further increase convergence between the two systems. Key issues remain to be resolved concerning detailed terms for implementation of an agreement. Given their complexity early progress is not to be expected but discussions are continuing, constructively and amicably.