HC Deb 21 May 2002 vol 386 cc254-6W
Mr. Rosindell

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when EC 310/2002, on the prohibition of export to Zimbabwe of items which could be used in internal repression, was first (a) tabled and (b) discussed in permanent Council committees. [57870]

Mr. MacShane

Discussions of EC Regulation 310/2002 began following the decision of 28 January 2002 by the General Affairs Council (GAC) of the European Union to implement targeted sanctions against Zimbabwe if the Government of Zimbabwe failed to act on specific EU concerns about Zimbabwe, such as political violence, election observers, and free internal media access.

The regulation imposing the embargo on the sale or supply of items which might be used in internal repression was submitted to the parliamentary scrutiny committees in draft on 12 February 2002.

The General Affairs Council agreed the regulation at its meeting of 18 February.

Mr. Rosindell

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the nature of restraints permitted for export to Zimbabwe following EU sanctions agreement. [57874]

Mr. MacShane

EC Regulation 310/2002 of 18 February 2002 places inter alia an embargo on the sale or supply to Zimbabwe of equipment which might be used for internal repression. Annexe II of the regulation establishes a list of such goods to be subject to the embargo. These goods include "leg-irons, gang-chains, shackles and electric shock belts, specially designed for restraining human beings; except handcuffs for which the maximum overall dimension including chain does not exceed 240 mm when locked".

This embargo is in addition to the full scope arms embargo imposed by the Council Common Position (2002/145/CFSP).

Mr. Rosindell

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reason Annex II of EC 310/2002 of 18 February 2002 permits exports of bombs and grenades not other than those specially designed for military use; and if he will make a statement. [57871]

Mr. MacShane

EC Regulation 310/2002 of 18 February 2002 places inter alia an embargo on sale or supply to Zimbabwe of equipment which might be used for internal repression. Annex II of the Regulation establishes a list of such goods to be subject to the embargo. These goods include "bombs and grenades, other than those specially designed for military use, and especially designed components".

Export of bombs and grenades specially designed for military use are subject to the full scope arms embargo imposed against Zimbabwe by the Council Common Position (2002/145/CFSP).

Mr. Rosindell

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on paragraph I of Annexe II of EC 310/2002 in the context of Article 7.[57872]

Mr. MacShane

Article 7 of Regulation 310/2002 imposes an embargo on the sale or supply to Zimbabwe of equipment which might be used for internal repression as set out in Annexe II of that Regulation.

This embargo is in addition to the full scope arms embargo imposed by the Council Common Position (2002/145/CFSP). In the UK this is implemented by prohibiting the export of goods and technology on the Military List which forms Part III of Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994, as amended.

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