§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in the comprehensive test ban negotiations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanGood progress has been made in the negotiations towards a comprehensive test ban treaty, which have been the main focus of the work in the conference on disarmament this year. A rolling text has been produced which covers all the main issues in treaty form, and is based on the work of the two working groups on verification and legal and institutional issues. The United Kingdom has been playing an active and constructive part in the negotiations and the contribution of the United Kingdom friend of the chair verification has been particularly recognised and appreciated.