§ Mr. MarlowTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he intends to take through the United Nations to ensure that any long-term plans to make the middle east a region free from weapons of mass destruction would apply to Israel in the same way as they would to Arab countries.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggAny middle east zone free from weapons of mass destruction would by definition have to include Israel as well as Arab states. President Mubarak proposed such a zone in 1990. We understand that the Egyptians are considering how to take their initiative forward. We would look carefully at any further proposals. In the meantime, we shall continue to pursue controls on nuclear and other sensitive technologies through the respective international fora.