§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how the United Kingdom ambassador to the United Nations voted on the draft resolution in committee on 17 November concerning proposals to oppose nuclear testing; what consideration underlay the vote; and if he will list the nations which voted with the United Kingdom on the draft resolution. [2735]
§ Mr. David DavisThe United Kingdom voted against the resolution. We do not believe that the current testing programmes are inconsistent with commitments made by the nuclear weapon states at the non-proliferation treaty review and extension conference. We have made clear that it would be hypocritical and wrong for us to condemn the French decision to undertake a final limited series of tests, based on scientific advice that these tests are necessary to preserve the safety and reliability of French nuclear weapons. We regret that the resolution failed to mention either the good progress made towards achieving a comprehensive test ban treaty, or the commitment of all five nuclear weapon states to conclude these negotiations no later than 1996. Eleven other countries voted with the United Kingdom; 45 abstained and 33 did not take part in the vote. The full list of votes has been placed in the Library of the House.