RIGHTS OF ENTRY ETC. FOR PURPOSES OF CHALLENGE INSPECTIONS UNDER THE PROTOCOL (Hansard, 9 July 1991)

§ Mr. Cryer

I was not clear about the Minister's response on Second Reading. He said that there were reserve powers on the treaty, that areas essential for national security were excluded, and that equipment might be "shrouded", whatever that means. Presumably it means putting a camouflage sheet over a new and secret tank so that inspectors cannot see it. It all sounds terribly childish. The military's childish obsession has cost this country dear in money and human life and limb.

Clause 2(1) states: The Secretary of State may issue an authorisation For "may", should we read "shall"—or does it mean that there is discretion to refuse a challenge inspection? Clause 2(1) also states that the inspection may be made within any specified area in the United Kingdom", albeit the inspection is made under the protocol.

I hope that, in relation to the important issue of arms control and verification, the legislation will illuminate for other countries any shadowy areas. An important element of such legislation is the building of confidence between nations. People arm themselves when they are suspicious and suspect that other nations may not behave well towards them. The eradication of suspicion is another step towards reducing the amount of arms that people claim, often falsely, that they need for their nation's defence. Will the Minister elaborate on the definition and application of clause 2(1)?