§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on whether a comprehensive test ban treaty should prohibit any underground explosive testing which produces a fission yield; [35417]
(2) what is his Department's policy on a low threshold test ban treaty as an alternative to a comprehensive test ban treaty; [35418]
(3) if it is Her Majesty's Government's policy that some further explosive nuclear testing should be permitted under the terms of a comprehensive test ban treaty;. [35425]
(4) if it is Her Majesty's Government's policy to retain the ability to conduct further underground nuclear tests after it has signed a comprehensive test ban treaty; [35431]
(5) what is his Department's assessment of whether a comprehensive test ban treaty that included a provision for small-scale testing would be compatible with the commitments made by the United Kingdom at the non-proliferation treaty extension conference. [35423]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotOur aim is to establish an effective and verifiable comprehensive nuclear test-ban treaty—CTBT—commanding universal adherence as soon as practicable. We have noted the statement in the nuclear non- proliferation treaty review conference document "Declaration on Principles and Objectives for Nuclear and Non-Proliferation and Disarmament" calling for the conclusion of negotiations on a CTBT by the end of 1996, and for the nuclear weapon states to exercise restraint until that time. The United Kingdom has no plans at present to carry out any nuclear weapon tests. However, we have made it clear that the CTBT must not prohibit those activities required to fulfil our responsibility to maintain the safety and reliability of our nuclear stockpile.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) which of the Anglo-US joint working groups have met to discuss nuclear testing issues during the past three months; and what were the names and rank of those officials from his Department involved; [35419]
1169W(2) what representations his Department has made to officials of the United States Government concerning a resumption of nuclear testing prior to negotiation of a comprehensive test ban treaty; [35428]
(3) what discussions officials from his Department have had with officials from the United States Government concerning a United Kingdom requirement to conduct further underground nuclear tests prior to signing a comprehensive test ban treaty; [35426]
(4) what discussions representatives from the Atomic Weapons Establishment have had with officials from the United States Government concerning nuclear testing issues in the last three months. [35427]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotWe have no plans to conduct further underground nuclear tests prior to the introduction of a comprehensive test ban treaty. Officials of this Department and the Atomic Weapons Establishment hold regular discussions with United States authorities on a wide range of nuclear issues. Including matters relating to nuclear testing.