HL Deb 23 June 1993 vol 547 cc10-1WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether their objection to any possible Iranian nuclear weapon programme takes into consideration the possible threat to that country's national interests of the several hundred warheads stated by the ex-Soviet intelligence authorities to be owned by Israel.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

We have noted with concern the report by the ex-Soviet intelligence authorities which claims that Israel has nuclear weapons. We shall continue to encourage Israel to allay all suspicions by acceding to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as a non-nuclear weapon state.

As a non-nuclear weapon state Party to the NPT, Iran has made a legally binding commitment not to develop nuclear weapons. We shall continue to emphasise to Iran and to all other parties to the treaty, the importance we attach to their abiding by treaty obligations.