§ 35. Mr. FlynnTo ask the Attorney-General what further representations he has received seeking changes in international protocols on the use of weapons; and what response he has made.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI have not received any representations further to those made by the hon. Gentleman on 17 June.
§ Mr. FlynnHas the Attorney-General had the opportunity to study annex VII of the presidency conclusions of the recent European summit and seen the splendid recommendations there about avoiding the over-armament of the world? A new arms race is taking place which threatens the stability of the world and world peace. It threatens, too, to impoverish many third-world countries. Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that if we are to achieve the aims and fulfil the recommendations of the European summit, there must be 644 some changes and that there must be some new negotiations on the protocols concerning weapons of mass destruction?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI have not had the opportunity to read the publication to which the hon. Gentleman refers. I certainly agree that if there is over-armament, by definition it is a bad thing. Whether we move towards making more changes in any international instrument is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, not for me. Although I have numerous responsibilities, they do not extend that far.