HL Deb 26 November 1996 vol 576 cc7-8WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have signed and ratified the Treaty on Open Skies; how many other states have done so; and how many ratifications are necessary for the treaty to come into force.

Earl Howe:

Her Majesty's Government signed the Treaty on Open Skies on 24th March 1992 and ratified the Treaty on 27th October 1993. Twenty-three other states have ratified the treaty. Entry into force requires ratification by 20 signatories, but this number must include certain key states. Of the latter, two further ratifications are required for the treaty to come into force.