§ Lord Mayhewasked Her Majesty"s Government:
§ Whether they are aiming to exclude safety tests from the provisions of the proposed comprehensive test ban treaty.
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Chalker of Wallasey)My Lords, we are committed to playing an active and constructive part in the negotiation of a comprehensive test ban. We will look for a verifiable and effective prohibition of all nuclear tests, with the aim of making a contribution to our international non-proliferation objectives.
Previously, a minimal programme of nuclear testing has been an important part of proving the safety and reliability of our nuclear warheads. We now aim to develop and use alternative technologies.
§ Lord MayhewMy Lords, I am grateful to the Minister for that Answer. Does it mean that we have withdrawn our demand that safety tests should be excluded from the treaty?
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyMy Lords, we never made a demand that safety tests should be excluded from the treaty. But the whole question of tests on an exceptional basis to confirm the safety of the nuclear stockpile will need to be addressed in the negotiations. We have said that under a CTB we will develop non-testing methods further to guarantee confidence in safety and reliability. However, we expect the issue of safety or confidence tests to be looked at very closely during the coming weeks.
§ Baroness BlackstoneMy Lords, do the Government intend to insist on those nations which are thought to be developing nuclear weapons —for instance, North Korea—signing a comprehensive test ban treaty before it comes into force? Does she agree that that will delay the establishment of a world-wide verification regime to detect clandestine tests? Is not now the highest priority to push ahead with the signing and implementation of the treaty rather than ending up with delays of that kind?
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyMy Lords, I shall not repeat what I said to the noble Lord, Lord Mayhew. It is important to understand that the situation in respect of North Korea is very different from the overall situation. As I said in my Answer, we are working for successful negotiations. We are looking for quick progress, which I know is what the noble Baroness wants, but we shall not sacrifice quality for speed.
170 The essential objective of the comprehensive test ban treaty is one which strengthens the non-proliferation regime. Therefore, we are looking for an extension of that regime and we shall seek the widest possible adherence. However, we shall let nothing stand in the way of making the right kind of progress. I know that the noble Baroness will be glad to hear that.