§ 74. Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received on the current year's review of the nonproliferation treaty; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LuceThe Foreign and Commonwealth Office has received representations from a number of organisations as explained in my reply to the hon. Member for Meironnydd Nant Conwy (Mr. Thomas) on 20 May, at column 336. We have also received letters from members 415W of the public. Some correspondents have expressed views on article VI with which we differ, as I mentioned in my speech about the non-proliferation treaty (NPT) during the adjournment debate on 6 June, at columns 545–58. However, they all agree that the NPT is an important agreement which should be preserved and strengthened, a view which the Government entirely share.
§ Mr. Strangasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the work of the preparatory committee for the third review conference of the non-proliferation treaty.
§ Mr. LuceThe preparatory committee held three sessions and completed the procedural work necessary for the review conference to be held. There was no major debate of substantive issues, although aspects of the treaty were touched upon during consideration of background documents prepared for the review conference. The British delegation took an active part in the committee.