§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make an assessment of the compatibility of space-based energy weapons systems using nuclear power with the non-proliferation treaty. [160803]
§ Mr. Vaz[holding answer 10 May 2001]: Space-based energy weapons systems using nuclear power for non-explosive purposes would be compatible with obligations of both nuclear-weapon state and non-nuclear weapon state parties to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Spaced-based energy systems using nuclear power for explosives would be compatible with the obligations of nuclear-weapons state parties to the Treaty but not with the obligations of non-nuclear weapon state parties to the Treaty.