§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the organisations and governments consulted by Her Majesty's Government in compiling the British submission to the World court on the legality of nuclear weapons. [3988]
§ Mr. David DavisI refer the hon. Member to the answers given by my right hon. and learned Friend the then Minister for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, the Member for Grantham (Mr. Hogg), on 28 February 1994, column547, and 14 June 1994, column 405.
§ Mr. MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many EU governments gave evidence to the World Court on the legality of nuclear weapons; how many asked the court to rule that they were legal; and how many asked the court to refuse to answer the question. [3989]
§ Mr. DavisEight EU Governments made written statements in relation to the requests for advisory opinions by the World Health Organisation and the UN General Assembly; four Governments also made oral statements. Six argued that the court should not answer the requests. five further arguing, on the substance, that the use or 251W threat of use of nuclear weapons is not prohibited as such under international law. Copies of the written statements will be placed in the Library of the House. Transcripts of the oral statements can be obtained from the International Court of Justice.