§ Mr. Freudasked the Prime Minster what assessment was made of United Nations resolution 38/70 about prevention of an arms race in outer space prior to the casting of the United Kingdom vote: what discussions were held with other countries, apart from the relevant deliberations of that United Nations session prior to the vote; and whether she will make a statment.
§ Mr. LuceI have been asked to reply.
The United Kingdom regularly consults its allies and European Community partners on United Nations Resolutions, and did so in this case. In 1983 the United Kingdom abstained on this resolution, as was made clear at the time, not because of disagreement with many of its objectives but because it ignored or prejudged a number of important issues still under discussion in international fora. At this year's United Nations General Assembly the United Kingdom voted in favour of a draft resolution sponsored by non-aligned countries on the prevention of an arms race in outer space.