§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how his policies discourage non-nuclear countries from developing nuclear weapons of their own.
§ Mr. HanleyA total of 157 countries have already committed themselves to non-nuclear weapon status by acceding to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty as non-nuclear weapon states. We look to these states to honour their obligations under the treaty. We extend to all of them our standard security assurances which remove the fear that nuclear weapons might be used to coerce non-nuclear states. We play an active part in defusing regional tensions which might fuel proliferation. We continue to urge the remaining 28 non-parties to the treaty to accede at the earliest possible date. We have demonstrated our readiness to reduce our own nuclear force levels wherever we can. We are ready to participate fully and constructively in negotiating a verifiable comprehensive test ban treaty.