Written question asked by Lisa Nandy (Labour) on Friday, 13 April 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 17 April 2012. It was answered by Mark Prisk (Conservative) on Monday, 23 April 2012 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

UK Trade and Industry Defence and Security Organisation: Human Rights

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what human rights due diligence processes the (a) Export Control Organisation and (b) UK Trade and Industry Defence and Security Organisation (i) has in place and (ii) plans to implement.

Answer: All export licence applications for military equipment are assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Export Control Organisation (ECO) within the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria, which require the Government to assess the recipient country's attitude towards relevant principles established by international human rights instruments. The Government will not issue an export licence if there is a clear risk that the proposed export might be used for internal repression.The UK Trade and Investment Defence and Security Organisation (UKTI DSO) maintains close dialogue with the rest of Government to ensure it is aware of nations of concern, including those where human rights considerations may apply. DSO also keep Government informed about changes in export control regulation and reminds companies about the requirement for export licences under the Export Control Act 2002. UKTI DSO is entirely separate from the ECO, and DSO is not involved in assessing export licence applications.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 103342; 543 c747W
Session: 2010-12
Subjects: Human rights Export Control Organisation Defence and Security Organisation
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk