HL Deb 14 March 1994 vol 553 cc7-8

2.54 p.m.

Lord Jenkins of Putney asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are among the governments reported by the International Red Cross (IRC) to be developing a portable laser gun which permanently blinds its human target, and whether they will respond to the IRC's call that such weapons should be banned under the Geneva Convention.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Viscount Cranborne)

My Lords, the United Kingdom currently has no plans to develop portable laser weapons for introduction into service in the Armed Forces, or any other laser weapon designed permanently to blind human targets. A conference has been called for 1995 to review the 1980 UN Weaponry Convention in which the UK will play a full part.

Lord Jenkins of Putney

My Lords, I am grateful to the Minister for that Answer. Can I assume that the Government will continue to have no plans or is the noble Viscount saying that they have no plans now but tomorrow may develop them? Can he assure us that, when they take part in the coming review, they will still have no plans and no intentions?

Viscount Cranborne

My Lords, I admire the ingenuity of the noble Lord, Lord Jenkins. I cannot bind any successor government. All I can say is that we have no plans. If we have no plans, it is difficult to suggest that we can see a possibility that there will be plans in the future. After all, if we have no plans now and see no reason for them, there is no reason to second-guess ourselves.

Lord Renton

My Lords, can my noble friend say whether any other government have such plans?

Viscount Cranborne

My Lords, as usual my noble friend makes a good point. However, United Kingdom research is being carried out to design effective protection measures for the United Kingdom forces against laser weapons. Indeed, protective goggles issued to air crews for "Operation Granby" in the Gulf were a direct result of that research. The United Kingdom continues to maintain a lead in that technology.

Lord Mayhew

My Lords, is the Minister aware that his last answer suggests that this is a serious problem and that other countries are in fact planning weapons of this kind? Can he assure us that, when the conference takes place, the British Government will be striving for a convention to ban those weapons?

Viscount Cranborne

My Lords, the noble Lord, Lord Mayhew, may be interested to know that the United Kingdom Government played a full part in the preparation leading up to the 1995 conference. Indeed, the first session was held in Geneva from 28th February to 4th March this year. We look forward to considering other amendments or additions to the existing convention.

Lord Ennals

My Lords, I wonder whether the Minister can go a little further. He will understand that many people in this country are a little suspicious of the phrase "have no plans". A week later someone comes up with a plan and it is suddenly announced. Can the Minister say, in answer to my noble friend's question, that the British Government are opposed to these weapons and will seek to promote a convention against them?

Viscount Cranborne

My Lords, it would be unwise to rule out the development of all laser weapons for ever. It is possible that a laser weapon could be produced that produces a less serious effect than when somebody is shot. In fact, there could be a temporary rather than a permanent effect. If that were possible, I for one would welcome it. There would be fewer dead and maimed under those circumstances than under the present dispensation of weapons.

Lord Williams of Elvel

My Lords, does the noble Viscount agree that, if there is to be a convention, it should be effective and verifiable? Is the United Kingdom conducting research not only to protect our own Armed Forces but also into how it can be verified that a country does not possess laser guns?

Viscount Cranborne

My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord, Lord Williams; what he says is true. He will be aware, as I am, that research being conducted into chemical and biological technologies is directed against exactly the same eventuality in this country. I am sure that he, like myself, would support that objective.

Lord Jenkins of Putney

My Lords, is the noble Viscount aware that, if the Government take the same view about these weapons as they have taken in regard to biological and chemical weapons, then the issue will be on the convention and that will be as satisfactory a response as one can get in these matters? Will the Minister say therefore that the Government's attitude will be the same as their attitude towards biological and chemical weapons?

Viscount Cranborne

My Lords, I do not wish in any way to seem churlish. To find myself even half-way in agreement with something said by the noble Lord, Lord Jenkins, is a pleasure which I find rare in your Lordships' House and, with your Lordships' permission, I will savour it for some days to come.