HL Deb 31 May 1995 vol 564 cc75-6WA
Lord Jenkins of Putney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they agree with the opinion of Jasjit Singh that the non-proliferation treaty "provides the legal framework for application of rules governing the flow of nuclear materials to non-nuclear weapon states who are party to the treaty" and the "primary source of illegal transfer of nuclear materials and technology and materials [has been] the advanced industrial states party to the NPT", and if so, what action they are taking.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

Most nuclear materials and technology originate in the advanced industrialised countries. Article III.2 of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty prohibits the supply of fissile material and related equipment to non-nuclear weapon states unless it is subject to safeguards. We therefore believe that an effective system of safeguards is necessary to help prevent the illegal transfer of nuclear materials and technology, and support the IAEA's "Programme 93+2", which aims to strengthen the effectiveness of safeguards.

Lord Jenkins of Putney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they agree with the opinion of Jasjit Singh, Director of the Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses, that illegal trafficking in nuclear materials and technology "has been the primary source of the clandestine nuclear weapon programmes of states like Iraq, Pakistan and North Korea", and if so, what action they are taking.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

Any illicit transfer of nuclear materials or technology is a cause for serious concern. The United Kingdom is an active member of the nuclear suppliers group under which suppliers have agreed that nuclear materials should be placed under effective physical protection to prevent unauthorised use and handling. In the case of fissile material, we have been active in a number of fora to ensure a co-ordinated international response to the smuggling of such material. There is no evidence of a state seeking to obtain fissile material by illicit trafficking.

Lord Jenkins of Putney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they agree with Mr. Jasjit Singh's view that the "security of existing fissile materials could be improved by placing them under a multi-national UN security system"; and if so, whether they will support such action.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

No. We have supported EU calls for fissile material not used for military purposes to be brought under existing international safeguards. We have confidence in the current safeguards régimes and believe this approach is more sensible than starting negotiations on a new security system.