§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many discussions his Department has had in the last year with United States Senators Hatfield, Exon and Mitchell on the issue of nuclear testing; how many letters his Department has sent in the last year to these senators on the issue of nuclear testing; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggOver the last year the embassy in Washington has had regular discussions on nuclear testing with the staff of a number of congressmen. The embassy wrote to Senators Hatfield, Exon and Mitchell on the subject during the consideration of the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill in August.
§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department has held with representatives of the Clinton/Gore transition team; what discussions took place on the topic of nuclear testing; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe embassy in Washington keeps in regular touch with members of President-elect Clinton's transition team. The President-elect has made it clear that the responsibility for foreign policy until 20 January remains with the present administration. Our position on nuclear testing is well known to senior members of the Democratic party.