§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his oral answer of 31 January,Official Report, column 842, what proposals for additions to the inhumane weapons convention have been made; by which other countries; and what is Her Majesty's Government's policy in respect of each of these proposals.
§ Mr. SoamesSweden and the International Committee of the Red Cross have proposed that the revised UN weaponry convention include a new protocol on blinding weapons. Sweden has also proposed a new protocol on naval mines; and Switzerland has proposed a new protocol on small calibre munitions. Our main aim remains the strengthening of the restrictions on the use of anti-personnel landmines, and we would not wish to see discussion of proposed new protocols detract from that objective. However, the United Kingdom is studying each of these proposals closely, and will make a final decision on them in good time for the review conference later this year.
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