HC Deb 28 June 1995 vol 262 cc679-80W
Dr. Lynne Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the implications of the French decision to resume nuclear testing for the successful negotiation of a comprehensive test ban treaty. [30518]

Mr. Soames

The decision by France to undertake a short programme of tests before signature of a comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty is not incompatible with the goal of an indefinite CTBT. The Government believe that it should be possible to conclude negotiations on such a treaty by the end of 1996 and will continue to work actively for that end. All the nuclear weapons states—including France—have expressed similar sentiments.