Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Truscott (Labour) on Wednesday, 23 May 2007.

Arms Trade: Export Control Act

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:When they expect to publish their review of British arms export control under the Export Control Act 2002; and whether the review will include recommendations about British arms brokers operating extra-territorially and about end-use control over arms exports.

Answer: The Government expect shortly to launch their review of the export control legislation introduced in 2004 under the Export Control Act 2002. This will include a public consultation which will seek comments on the impact and effectiveness of the legislation, and whether there is a need to change or enhance the controls further. The deadline for receipt of responses will be 12 weeks after the launch of the consultation. Responses to the consultation will be evaluated in the autumn of 2007 and the Government plan to issue a response in December 2007. I am obviously unable to prejudge the outcome of the review on any particular issue, but I anticipate that the consultation will cover the issues of British arms brokers operating outside the UK and end-use controls.

Secondary information