§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many meetings of the round table forum with non-governmental organisations on arms control, security and non-proliferation his Department has hosted since 1979; when the last forum was held; when the next one will be held; and what criteria are used in deciding which groups are to be invited.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggIt is not possible, without incurring a disproportionate cost, to determine accurately how many meetings were held after 1979. They were, however, usually held on a twice-yearly basis. Invitations to take part were issued to groups known to be actively interested in arms control and disarmament issues. There are no plans at present to hold another meeting in the near future.