HC Deb 29 November 1994 vol 250 cc567-8W
Mr. Gapes

To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to the oral answer of the Minister of Defence Procurement on 22 NovemberOfficial Report, column 461, when Her Majesty's Government intend to ratify the chemical weapons convention.

Mr. Heseltine

The Government intend to ratify the chemical weapons convention as soon as possible. The necessary implementing legislation will be introduced as soon as parliamentary time and other Government legislative priorities permit.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) if the chemical weapons convention will be ratified in the current parliamentary Session;

(2) what are the reasons for the delay between the signing of the chemical weapons convention and its ratification.

Mr. Heseltine

[holding answer 28 November 1994]: The Government intend to ratify the chemical weapons convention as soon as possible. The necessary implementing legislation will be introduced as soon as parliamentary time and other Government legislative priorities permit.