§ Norman LambTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the decision in 1997 to give preliminary clearance to Siemens Plessey Electronic Systems under the F680 procedure was taken into account in determining the application for an export licence. [51751]
§ Nigel GriffithsThe Form 680 process is administered by the Ministry of Defence and provides advice on the prospects for approval at the marketing stage. When the Government provides Form 680 advice it is always made clear to companies that such advice does not constitute an export licence, nor does it guarantee that an export licence will be approved for the future export of goods and technology.
All relevant export licence applications are considered on a case by case basis against the Consolidated EU and national arms export licensing criteria in the light of the circumstances prevailing at the time of the application. Export licensing decisions do not take into account previous advice provided under the Form 680 process.