Export Control and Non-Proliferation Directorate

House of Lords written question – answered at on 18 July 2005.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of The Bishop of Winchester The Bishop of Winchester Bishop

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What assessment they have made of the possibility that those states which look to the United Kingdom to provide a lead in arms export control might replicate the full or part-privatisation of the Export Control and Non-Proliferation Directorate's services.

Photo of Lord Sainsbury of Turville Lord Sainsbury of Turville Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department of Trade and Industry, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Trade and Industry) (Science and Innovation)

If we decide to outsource some, or all, of our export control services we would consult with our international partners as necessary with a view to encouraging a common understanding of the UK's decision and any implications for partners.

Does this answer the above question?

3 people think so

2 people think not

Would you like to ask a question like this yourself? Use our Freedom of Information site.

House of Lords

The house of Lords is the upper chamber of the Houses of Parliament. It is filled with Lords (I.E. Lords, Dukes, Baron/esses, Earls, Marquis/esses, Viscounts, Count/esses, etc.) The Lords consider proposals from the EU or from the commons. They can then reject a bill, accept it, or make amendments. If a bill is rejected, the commons can send it back to the lords for re-discussion. The Lords cannot stop a bill for longer than one parliamentary session. If a bill is accepted, it is forwarded to the Queen, who will then sign it and make it law. If a bill is amended, the amended bill is sent back to the House of Commons for discussion.

The Lords are not elected; they are appointed. Lords can take a "whip", that is to say, they can choose a party to represent. Currently, most Peers are Conservative.