§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how nuclear test is defined in the context of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty; what the source is of the definition; and if he will make a statement. [101387]
§ Mr. HainThe Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty does not set out a definition of a nuclear test. The obligations of parties to the Treaty are contained in Article I. These obligations are not to carry out any nuclear weapons test explosion or any other nuclear explosion, and to prohibit and prevent any such nuclear explosion at any place under its jurisdiction or control. State parties also undertake to refrain from causing, encouraging, or in any way participating in the carrying out of any nuclear weapon test explosion or any other nuclear explosion.
These obligations where drawn up in the course of the treaty negotiations.
§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the future of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty following the failure of the United States Senate to ratify the Treaty. [101389]
§ Mr. HainWe have made clear our deep disappointment with the US Senate's vote against ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. We will continue to work with the US Administration, and with other key countries, to bring the Treaty into force as soon as possible.