Written question asked by Huw Edwards (Labour) on Wednesday, 20 March 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 April 2002. It was answered by Patricia Hewitt (Labour) on Thursday, 18 April 2002 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what representations she has received about the impact of the Export Credit Bill on academic and scientific research; and if she will make a statement. - Inc ref to Export Control Bill 2001/02.

Answer: Mr. Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received about the impact of the Export Credit Bill on academic and scientific research; and if she will make a statement. [45867] Ms Hewitt: The Government have consulted extensively, including with the academic community, throughout the development of the Export Control Bill, to which it is assumed this question is intended to refer. In the course of these consultations we received a number of representations about the potential impact of proposal on academic and scientific research. More recently the Government have received a number of further representations from parliamentarians, interested individuals and representative organisations on this issue. In response to concerns raised, the Government have tabled an amendment to the Export Control Bill to be moved at Report in another place. The amendment provides on the face of the Bill for protection of the principle of freedom to publish and to communicate information that has already been published.

Secondary information