§ Mr. CoakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress being made towards the banning of the trade in anti-personnel mines; and what has been the reaction of foreign Governments to Her Majesty's Government's activities in this area. [8124]
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§ Mr. Tony LloydThe United Kingdom's ban on export of anti-personnel landmines is in place. We are considering the legislation needed to implement bans on transfer, import, production and trade through the UK. We are also considering the circumstances in which movements of anti-personnel landmines might need to continue and will inform Parliament once we have reached conclusions. Any exceptions will end as necessary in 2005 or according to the provisions of an effective international agreement when it comes into force, whichever comes first.
Our new policy on anti-personnel landmines had been widely welcomed.