Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Oral Answers to Questions

Ian C. Lucas Excerpts
Monday 10th October 2011

(12 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Nick Harvey Portrait Nick Harvey
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I very much agree with the hon. Gentleman’s comments; I, too, was a campaigner on that issue. I am very pleased that the UK duly signed up to that, but clearly our ability to control the US is no greater now than it was at the time of the convention. We will continue to apply pressure on the Americans, but we need to be realistic about the likelihood of their changing their policy.

Ian C. Lucas Portrait Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab)
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What discussions has the Minister had with our European partners to ensure that when a licence is refused by the United Kingdom, similar steps are taken by our European partners and they do not take advantage of our progressive approach to export licensing abroad?

Nick Harvey Portrait Nick Harvey
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That is a good question. I will check what sharing of information we have with our EU allies when we turn down an application, and I will write to the hon. Gentleman in due course.