§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his assessment of the potential effectiveness of the chemical weapons convention in restricting the proliferation of chemical weapons to(a) non-signatory states and (b) terrorist organisations; and if he will make a statement. [16082]
§ Mr. SoamesOnce fully implemented, the chemical weapons convention will make a significant contribution to international security. The convention includes extensive provisions to control trade in certain key chemicals to non-state parties. It also requires each state party to the convention to pass national legislation making it a criminal offence for persons under its jurisdiction, to undertake the development, production, acquisition, transfer or use of chemical weapons.