HL Deb 26 February 1990 vol 516 cc508-9

2.46 p.m.

Lord Jenkins of Putney asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they support the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and, if so, what steps they are taking to strengthen and extend it.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Brabazon of Tara)

My Lords, the United Kingdom is one of the three depositary powers of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and naturally we support it. The fourth review conference of the treaty is to be held in Geneva in August and September this year. We are working for its success. We take every suitable opportunity in our contacts with countries not party to the treaty to urge them to accede to it.

Lord Jenkins of Putney

My Lords, is the Minister aware that I welcome the more constructive tone which has characterised this Answer from the replies we received on previous occasions? I take that as a response to the improving international situation in which the Government feel able actively to support this important treaty rather than giving it the kind of lip service which they have perhaps given in the past. In the circumstances, will the Minister undertake to take further steps at the fourth review conference of the treaty which is to take place in August to bring about the certain enforcement of the treaty? There is a general feeling that while the treaty exists in theory, enforcement procedures are lacking. Will the Minister take steps to ensure that something more is done in that respect?

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, as regards the first part of the question, I should say that as one of the founding fathers, if I may put it like that, of the treaty I do not think that our support for it has ever been in doubt. However, if the noble Lord detects a difference of emphasis, so be it. The review conference to which the noble Lord referred will take place in Geneva in August and September. The initial two preparatory committee meetings which were held in New York last May and in Geneva last September went well. The third preparatory committee meeting will take place in Geneva from 24th April to 4th May. The depositary powers continue to co-ordinate effectively with the aim of ensuring a successful outcome for the review conference, thus strengthening the NPT.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, will the Minister tell the House what the Government's present attitude towards a comprehensive test ban treaty is, especially against the background of events in Eastern Europe?

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, I believe I answered a Question on a comprehensive test ban treaty as recently as last November. A comprehensive test ban treaty remains a long-term goal, but progress will be made only by a step-by-step approach which takes account of technical advances in verification as well as progress elsewhere in arms control and the attitude of other states.

Lord Mayhew

My Lords, does the Minister recall that in December at the General Assembly of the United Nations 127 nations voted for progress towards a comprehensive ban and only two voted against, of whom the United Kingdom was one? When the noble Lord says he is working for the success of the non-proliferation conference, is he aware that a key to non-proliferation would be the comprehensive banning of nuclear tests?

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, for the foreseeable future our security will depend on deterrence based in part on nuclear weapons. We must continue to test our nuclear weapons to ensure that they remain effective and up to date.

Lord Jenkins of Putney

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that that point is of extreme importance and that the view is held widely in the world, and also in this country but not perhaps by the Government, that the test ban treaty is a key to effective non-proliferation and ultimately perhaps to the number of missiles being reduced? Will he give a little further thought to that point?

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, I do not believe that there is much I can add this afternoon or to what I said in answer to the noble Lord's previous Question on the subject in November. It remains our long-term gaol but with certain qualifications.