Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many arrests have been made under the provisions of the Export Control Order 2008 in each year since that Order came into effect; how many charging decisions have been received on such breaches from the CPS; on what dates such decisions were received; and how many criminal convictions have resulted from each such charging decision.

There have been five arrests made for trafficking and brokering offences arising under the provisions of the Export Control Order 2008. One of those arrests has resulted in a conviction. Of the remainder, one has resulted in a decision not to charge, one has resulted in a compound penalty and the remaining two will shortly be referred for a charging decision.

It is important to note that the action HMRC takes in respect of breaches of export controls will depend on the nature and seriousness of any offence, and that action is not limited to investigation with a view to prosecution.