§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many countries have announced their support to date for an international ban on the production, stockpiling, sale and use of anti-personnel mines. [27550]
§ Mr. David DavisTo our knowledge, some 32 countries, including the United Kingdom, have announced their support for a total international ban on anti-personnel landmines.
§ Mr. CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect of the upgrading of the Ranger landmines delivery system on his policy of working towards the eventual elimination of anti-personnel mines. [27551]
§ Mr. DavisWe intend as soon as possible to destroy nearly half of our existing stocks of anti-personnel landmines. We intend to destroy the remainder when an international ban is agreed, or when viable alternatives become available. In the meantime, should it become necessary to replace any of the remaining mines, we shall do so only with self-destruct systems. One possible option to achieve this objective would be to upgrade the existing Ranger landmine delivery system, but not final decisions have been taken. We shall continue to pursue the policy which, in our view, offers the best prospect of addressing the terrible consequences for innocent civilians of the irresponsible use of anti-personnel landmines.