§ 56. Mr. Tony Lloydasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received regarding the difficulties of verification in negotiating a comprehensive test ban treaty.
§ Mr. RentonWe have received 23 letters on this subject, 12 from the general public and 11 from hon. and right hon. Members.
§ 57. Mr. Simon Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he plans to seek to introduce a trial test ban in consultation with other nuclear powers.
§ Mr. RentonNo. We remain committed to seeking progress towards balanced and verifiable arms control agreements which contribute to United Kingdom security, including a comprehensive test ban treaty. Introducing a trial test ban, which would not meet these criteria, would not be in our interests.