§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what action he proposes to set up a national authority to oversee the United Kingdom compliance with the chemical weapons convention; if he will ensure it is fully independent of the Department of Trade and Industry and if it will include experts from outside Government; what parliamentary involvement he proposes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Sainsbury[holding answer 11 January 1993]: The national authority will deal largely with requirements falling on United Kingdom industry, such as provision of information. My Department will therefore be responsible for setting up the national authority. Its structure and organisation will be the subject of consultation with interested bodies in due course.