Non-proliferation Treaty

HC Deb 07 February 1985 vol 72 cc658-9W

Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he intends to take to seek to ensure a successful conclusion to the non-proliferation treaty review conference.

Mr. Luce

Our policy towards the non-proliferation treaty review conference is under consideration at present. It will reflect our very firm commitment to the treaty which has been successful in preventing the further spread of nuclear weapons and has contributed significantly to the security of all its parties.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he plans with the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics about the forthcoming review conference of the non-proliferation treaty.

Mr. Luce

We plan to continue to hold regular consultations with the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics about arms control matters, including the non-proliferation treaty. Such consultations usually take place on a bilateral basis, but there are also trilateral meetings arising from the fact that the United Kingdom, United States and USSR are the depositary Governments designated by article IX(2) of the treaty. The consultations have revealed a common determination to support the treaty and to strengthen the non-proliferation regime.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will propose an amendment to the non-proliferation treaty to ensure that no country will provide any kind of nuclear help to countries which withdraw from the treaty.

Mr. Luce

We do not intend to propose any amendments to the non-proliferation treaty. As I told my hon. Friend the Member for Crawley (Mr. Soames) on 28 January, at column 39, we are not aware that any party is contemplating withdrawal from the treaty, membership of which makes it easier to acquire nuclear equipment and material for peaceful purposes. No country has left since the NPT came into force, and the fact that there were three new parties in 1984 demonstrates that support for this important and successful arms control measure continues to grow.