HC Deb 30 October 2003 vol 412 cc344-5W
Mr. Gardiner

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the UK arms industry complies with Clause II.7 of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. [131153]

Nigel Griffiths

I am informed that the UK is complying with the UN Panel of Government Experts.

Mr. Gardiner

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to her Answer of 6 October, Official Report, column 1068W, when the United Kingdom will ratify the UN Protocol Against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Arms. [135100]

Mr. MacShane

I have been asked to reply.

Following its signature of the Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, their Parts, Components and Ammunition on 6 May 2002, the UK is now considering with the European Commission and Member States possible amendments to the European Weapons Directive. This is a necessary first step to bring the Directive in line with the UN Firearms Protocol before ratification by Member States.