HC Deb 12 June 1995 vol 261 cc374-5W
Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has received from his Russian and United States counterparts on the progress made by the Gore-Chernomyrdin Commission on the Iranian nuclear programme and nuclear exports to Iran. [27649]

Mr. David Davis

The Gore-Chernomyrdin Commission has not met since the US-Russian summit in May, but is due to do so before the end of June. Progress has already been made on the question of nuclear exports to Iran with President Yeltsin's commitment at the Moscow summit not to transfer gas centrifuge equipment to the Iranians.

Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what response Her Majesty's Government have made to the call by Colonel Gaddafi of Libya on 16 May that the Arab states should collaborate on the production of nuclear weapons. [27653]

Mr. Douglas Hogg

None. Libya, like most other Arab states, is a member of the non-proliferation treaty and we expect her to comply fully with her obligations not to acquire nuclear weapons.

Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's policy in respect of the letter, dated 9 May, from the permanent representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to the president of the non-proliferation treaty review and extension conference, NPT/Conf. 1995/30, claiming a special status for North Korea within the non-proliferation treaty; and if the United Kingdom within the non-proliferation treaty; and if the United Kingdom has discussed the implications of the letter with the other two depositary states for the treaty. [27655]

Mr. David Davis

We have not discussed the North Korean letter with the other depositary states: we expect all states parties to the non-proliferation treaty to comply fully with their obligations. We have welcomed the framework agreement between the US and DPRK and we hope this will lead to a resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue.

Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the proposals by Japan to create a nuclear co-operation organisation for states in Asia along the lines of the European Union's Euratom agency. [27654]

Mr. Douglas Hogg

We know of no Japanese Government proposals for a nuclear co-operation organisation in Asia on the lines of Euratom. However, there is considerable discussion at a non-government level on increasing nuclear co-operation in the east Asian and south-east Asian area, with particular emphasis on co-operation in the area of research, safety and operating standards. We welcome any moves by Japanese industry or Government to ensure that nuclear energy development in east Asia take place in a sound, safe and secure manner.