asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the new COCOM regulations will be published; what period of time will elapse after publication before they come into effect; and what is the reason for the delay in publication.

I expect to make a new Export of Goods (Control) Order shortly; and to publish it on or about 12 June. It will enter into force six weeks after publication. It has not proved possible to publish the order earlier because of certain technical difficulties in its preparation.