DEPARTMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE ARMS EXPORT LICENCE APPROVAL PROCESS FOR IDA COUNTRIES

Early day motion 686, tabled 25 February 2004 by John Battle (Labour). Signed by 94 members.

That this House notes that licences for arms export to International Development Association (IDA) countries are currently granted by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry; welcomes the Second Joint Report of the Quadripartite Committee on 20th May 2003, HC 474, and its recommendations on strategic export controls for arms exports; believes that whilst arms exports can provide security for IDA countries, they can also, in certain cases, hinder the sustainable development of IDA countries and their efforts to tackle and alleviate poverty; recognises that the Department for International Development is responsible for promoting sustainable development; and so resolves that arms licences to all IDA countries should be granted jointly by the Secretaries of State for Trade and Industry and for International Development to ensure that both departments' policies of trade and development are working hand in hand for the benefit of Britain and its global neighbours.

Signatures by party: Labour 55, Liberal Democrat 24, Conservative 5, Labour/Co-operative 5, Plaid Cymru 3, Independent 1, Scottish National Party 1.