390. The DTI's (now the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform's) 2007 Review of Export Control Legislation is an opportunity to stand back and look at the changes in strategic export controls since the 1990s. As a result of the Export Control Act 2002, and the secondary legislation made under it, the UK now has generally efficient and reliable export controls. The volume and quality of information that the Government provides about strategic export controls has improved considerably in the past ten years and we hope will continue to improve.

391. We conclude that the DTI's 2007 Review is a constructive process that addresses many of the issues which we and other interested parties have raised over several years. Much careful thought and work has gone into the Consultation Document and it shows that the Government has been listening. The options for changes it sets out in important areas such as extra-territoriality are welcome and we conclude provide the basis for change. The Review has two shortcomings. First, it ignores the fact that strategic export controls rely on Government-wide cooperation and communication. The Consultation Document does not mention HMRC, which enforces strategic export controls. Second, it ignores the EU dimension. The States of the EU face exactly the same problems as the UK in administering an export control regime, a significant part of which is derived from EU legislation.

392. We look forward to reviewing the Government's conclusions arising from the 2007 Review in our next Report.

393. The past year has seen the start of the UN process to secure an International Arms Trade Treaty. The groundswell of support for the treaty has been greater than could have been anticipated and we are pleased to report significant progress. We conclude that the Government has continued to show skill in promoting the treaty and, significantly, to press for a comprehensive treaty including both military and dual-use goods and technology. The next year will be crucial for the treaty when the governmental experts start on the details. We hope that in our next report we shall be able to report further significant progress.