§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the possible contribution of a comprehensive test ban treaty towards nuclear non-proliferation.
§ The Prime MinisterA comprehensive test ban would not in itself prevent a proliferator from producing and deploying a crude nuclear weapon without recourse to testing, and from obtaining the materials with which to do this. But associated measures for verification and inspection, if sufficiently rigorous, and applicable to the states concerned, might constrain potential proliferations.
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Prime Minister what is Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the negotiation of a comprehensive test ban treaty by September 1996; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterWe support the ultimate goal of a comprehensive test ban. The factors which will influence the rate at which progress towards a ban can be made will include the need to develop an effective system of verification. We will also need to be confident that we have the necessary technologies and expertise to maintain the safety of our nuclear weapons at the highest level without testing.
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the effect of the testing of nuclear weapons by emerging nuclear weapon states on the security interests of the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterSince India exploded a nuclear device in 1974, we are aware of no established case of a country other than those recognised by the non-proliferation treaty as nuclear weapons states conducting a nuclear test.