§ Hugh BayleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made with securing a G8 commitment to implement common standards in arms export controls; and if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Lancaster House conference on arms export control. [113660]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienI have been asked to reply.
The Government are committed to raising the effectiveness of export controls internationally, and promote common standards in arms export controls in multilateral fora wherever it is possible and appropriate to do so. Discussions on arms export controls have been taking place between G8 countries in preparation for the summit meeting at Evian, France on 2 to 3 June 2003.
In response to the question on Lancaster House, I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the then International Development Secretary (Clare Short) on 10 March 2003, Official Report, column 39W.