HC Deb 11 May 1989 vol 152 cc483-4W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his estimate of the likely timetable to set up an amendment conference for the partial nuclear test ban treaty of 1963, following the deposition recently of the requisite number of signatory states calling for such a conference; and if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the prospective conversion of the treaty into a comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty.

Mr. Waldegrave

We have had initial discussions with the other depositary Governments to consider preparations for an amendment conference. No timetable has yet been established. We cannot support the proposed amendment: as long as we rely on a nuclear deterrent, we will need to conduct underground nuclear tests to ensure that our weapons remain effective and up-to-date. But we will of course carry out fully our obligations as a depositary Government.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions the United Kingdom has had recently over the current status of the 1963 partial test ban treaty with its depository states.

Mr. Waldegrave

We have had initial discussions with both the other depositary Governments in order to begin preparations for convening a conference to consider proposals for an amendment to the treaty. We hope that the depositary Governments will soon meet trilaterally to resolve how this should be taken forward.

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