§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he proposes to take to seek to ensure that the 1980 breakdown on the nonproliferation treaty review conference does not recur at the 1985 review conference; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LuceAlthough the 1980 review conference did not agree a substantive final document endorsing the treaty, there was broad agreement between the parties on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and no delegation contested the indispensable role played by the nonproliferation treaty in maintaining global security. Since 1980, the treaty has remained intact. No state party has withdrawn, and there have been eight new parties. Our policy towards the 1985 NPT review conference will reflect our very firm commitment to the treaty. We shall 605W be working with other supporters of the NPT to achieve a satisfactory outcome which strengthens the Treaty in the long term.