§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what are the defence implications of the delay in ratification of the 1981 inhumane weapons convention by Her Majesty's Government; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what are the defence implications of the delay in ratification of the 1977 additional protocols to the Geneva convention by Her Majesty's Government; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonThere are no defence implications. Our armed forces already adhere to the principles laid down in both the additional protocols to the Geneva conventions and the United Nations weaponry convention.