Written question asked by David Atkinson (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 October 1996. It was answered by Jeremy Hanley (Conservative) on Monday, 14 October 1996 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: If he will comment on the recent discovery by customs at Hong Kong airport of US made bombs in transit from China to Israel.

Answer: Mr. David Atkinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent discovery by customs at Hong Kong airport of US-made bombs in transit from China to Israel. [40072] Mr. Hanley: A consignment of inert military ordnance was discovered by the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department during a routine inspection on 24 May 1996. Charges were laid against the carrier, Hong Kong Dragon Airlines Ltd., for importing prohibited articles without a licence and failing to retain possession of the articles until a valid licence was produced. The airline pleaded guilty and was fined HK$80,000-£6,600.

Secondary information