§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress towards the implementation of a comprehensive test ban treaty. [12589]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotThe comprehensive test ban treaty has so far been signed by 139 states. The first preparatory commission of signatory states to carry out the necessary preparations for the effective implementation of the treaty met in New York in November 1996 and will resume in Geneva in March. A provisional technical secretariat is being established to co-ordinate and support the process. Expert consultations on implementation of the verification arrangements are under way.