Part of Export Control Bill – in a Public Bill Committee at 11:15 am on 18 October 2001.
Vincent Cable
Shadow Spokesperson (Trade and Industry), Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Trade and Industry)
11:15,
18 October 2001
I thank the Minister for replying to the hon. Member for Aldershot, who, had he been here previously, would have realised that we had had quite a few examples, some of which were controversial. To be positive about the Minister's response, and to make clear our position in the debate, I would say that the area of disagreement is quite narrow. The Government wish to act to prevent inappropriate overseas production and they appear to be satisfied that they can achieve those objectives if they can prevent licenses from being issued.
We are concerned with an additional point. If overseas production takes place inappropriately, possibly for entirely innocent reasons concerned with the behaviour of overseas parties, the Government should have powers to terminate the licence. It is not clear whether the present legislation provides for that. I would hope that in the course of the progress of the Bill to the Floor of the House that particular problem might be dealt with. On that basis, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the motion.
Motion and Clause, by leave, withdrawn.
Question proposed, That the Chairman do report the Bill, as amended, to the House.
A parliamentary bill is divided into sections called clauses.
Printed in the margin next to each clause is a brief explanatory `side-note' giving details of what the effect of the clause will be.
During the committee stage of a bill, MPs examine these clauses in detail and may introduce new clauses of their own or table amendments to the existing clauses.
When a bill becomes an Act of Parliament, clauses become known as sections.
A parliamentary bill is divided into sections called clauses.
Printed in the margin next to each clause is a brief explanatory `side-note' giving details of what the effect of the clause will be.
During the committee stage of a bill, MPs examine these clauses in detail and may introduce new clauses of their own or table amendments to the existing clauses.
When a bill becomes an Act of Parliament, clauses become known as sections.
Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.