§ Paul FarrellyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will take steps to encourage an international ban on the use of cluster bombs. [20001]
§ Mr. IngramIt would not be appropriate or realistic to take steps to encourage an international ban on the use of cluster bombs. They are a legitimate weapon that provide a capability against certain targets which cannot be effectively achieved in other ways. We are aware of concerns that have been expressed about the humanitarian effort of unexploded cluster bomblets and are exploring 225W in the context of the 1980 UN Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) how this can be minimised.
§ Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy to work to implement the recommendations of the International Committee of the Red Cross on the use of cluster bombs. [20234]
§ Mr. IngramThe International Committee of the Red Cross have proposed limitations on the use of cluster bombs in the context of their proposal for a protocol on explosive remnants of war to the 1980 UN Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, for which the review conference will be held on 11 to 21 December. The United Kingdom will work for a positive outcome to minimise the risk to civilians from unexploded weapons, including cluster bombs.