Written question asked by Karen Buck (Labour) on Thursday, 13 July 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 July 2000. It was answered by Lord Hain (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 July 2000 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make a statement on the application for an export licence for mine-clearance equipment to Afghanistan.

Answer: Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the application for an export licence for mine-clearance equipment to Afghanistan. [131317] Mr. Hain: Following consultations with this Department and the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Trade and Industry recently issued a licence for the export of mine clearance equipment for the use by the HALO Trust to aid their demining activities in Afghanistan. This licence was granted for humanitarian purposes. This decision does not affect the Government's continued support for the EU Common Position on arms exports to Afghanistan.

Secondary information