§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration he has given to reviewing the use of mines and its relationship to developments in international law; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HanleyProtocol II of the UN weaponry convention contains strict rules governing the use of land mines. A review conference on the convention has been called for 1995, the main aim of which will be to consider strengthening protocol II. We intend to play a full part in the review conference and are already participating in the preparatory work leading up to it.
§ Mr. WhittingdaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to receive a report on the recent loss and subsequent recovery of anti-personnel mines from Shoeburyness; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AitkenA committee of inquiry has been convened by the establishment to investigate the circumstances surrounding the loss of these mines. I expect to have a report shortly.
Ninety of these mines remain missing and are expected to be widely scattered by now. They pose minimal risk to the public as they are without their detonators. Trials have shown that they would not detonate if exposed to heat or pressure. The emergency services are well aware of the situation.