§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with the chiefs of staff concerning the military utility of anti-personnel land mines. [27025]
§ Mr. SoamesIt is not normal practice to give details of discussions between Ministers and their advisers. Our policy on anti-personnel mines reflects our judgment of the balance to be struck between humanitarian goals and the continuing needs of our armed forces until there is international agreement on a total ban on such mines, or viable alternatives are developed.