§ Mr. Hickmetasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many states have acceded to the non-proliferation treaty since the last review conference; how many states have withdrawn from the treaty since it came into force: and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LuceSixteen states have adhered to the nonproliferation treaty (NPT) since the last review conference in 1980, bringing its total membership to 129, or four fifths of the membership of the United Nations. No state has ever exercised its right to withdraw from the treaty. The continued success of the NPT in attracting new parties 15 years after it came into force is proof of the valuable part which the treaty plays in enhancing the security of every country and in promoting the safe use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes by its parties. We shall continue to seek universal adherence to the treaty, concentrating in particular on those non-parties which possess significant nuclear facilities which are not open to international inspection.