Simulated Nuclear Testing

HL Deb 15 February 1996 vol 569 cc55-6WA

Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it is their understanding that the United States will continue a programme of simulated nuclear testing in the event of a comprehensive nuclear test ban being agreed and if so, whether they will ensure that such a test ban includes a prohibition on testing simulations being shared with other parties. particularly including parties which are not signatories to the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Earl Howe)

Questions as to what activities the United States might carry out to ensure the safety and reliability of its nuclear weapons under the proposed Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty are a matter for the United States Government. As the nuclear-weapon states are parties to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, they are already prohibited by Article I from assisting any non-nuclear weapon state in any way to manufacture or otherwise acquire nuclear weapons.