Select Committee on International Development Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence


APPENDIX 9

Memorandum submitted by Argent Steel Limited

  Thank you for your letter dated 2nd February 2000, regarding our unsuccessful appeal to export *** sheets to Pakistan.

  We were certainly disappointed in this refusal as we specifically asked before submitting documentation. In the first instance, we advised the relevant department what material we were intending to supply. We also advised the material would be used by a Technical College in Pakistan. When we learned of the actual College, we stated this on our application.

  At this point we were advised that we could not have a licence as the material could be used for weapons of mass destruction. We could have supplied the material to a Technical College, and this was verbally approved. We failed to see where the difference lay, as any material can be transferred within any Country without our knowledge.

  As a result of this, we now have material we find difficult to dispose of, at a cost we didn't need.

  When an application is made for an export licence, we suggest a clear decision is made, ie NO material which may be used in weapons of mass destruction, can be supplied, regardless of which school, college or university has ordered it.

10 February 2000


 
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