§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Prime Minister if it is Her Majesty's Government's policy to ratify the chemical weapons convention before the convention enters into force.
§ The Prime MinisterThe United Kingdom played an active role in the negotiations leading to the opening for signature of the chemical weapons convention and continues to play an active role in the preparatory commission in The Hague, which is working towards the establishment of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. The United Kingdom signed the Convention in January 1993 and we intend to ratify the chemical weapons convention at the earliest possible opportunity.
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Prime Minister if he intends to put in place the necessary legislation to enable the United Kingdom to fulfil its obligation under the chemical weapons covention in time for Her Majesty's Government to ratify the convention by 18 July 1994.
§ The Prime MinisterWe intend to introduce implementing legislation for the convention as soon as parliamentary time permits.