§ Mrs. EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is Her Majesty's Government's policy in respect of the verification regime to police the South Pacific nuclear-free zone treaty. [1504]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotWe have announced our intention to sign the protocols to the treaty of Raratonga which was drawn up by the South Pacific states. The treaty's control regime provides for information exchanges, consultations, a complaints procedure and the conclusion of safeguards agreements with the International Atomic Energy Authority in respect of peaceful nuclear activities. The Government have full confidence in the effectiveness of the IAEA safeguards system and its ability to detect diversion of nuclear material from the purposes declared for it.