NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY REVIEW CONFERENCE

HL Deb 31 July 1985 vol 467 cc332-3WA

Lord Jenkins of Putney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What preparations they have made for the Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference and what documents they have circulated.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Young)

We are working constructively for a positive outcome to the review conference. Our preparations have included full and active participation in the three sessions of the preparatory committee, and close and continuing consultation with the Governments of other depositary states, the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. We are also actively lobbying non-parties to the Treaty in search of increased membership to strengthen it further. In the last year nine states have adhered.

As regards documents, we have circulated a report on our implementation of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. A copy has been placed in the Library of the House. We also intend to circulate a paper suggesting ways in which the transfer of technology to developing countries for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy could be further improved, in accordance with Article IV. A copy will be placed in the Library of the House once the text has been finalised.