§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when Her Majesty's Government plans to incorporate the Ottawa Landmine Treaty into United Kingdom law; and what steps it is taking to persuade other countries to ratify the treaty. [23611]
§ Mr. Tony LloydWe intend to introduce legislation as soon as the parliamentary timetable allows. We shall continue to take every opportunity to urge as many 433W countries as possible to sign the Ottawa Convention and to encourage those that have signed to ratify the Convention as quickly as possible.
§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the Government intend to ratify the land mines treaty; and if he will make a statement. [23298]
§ Mr. Tony LloydWe intend to ratify the Convention as soon as the necessary legislation is in place. We shall continue to take every opportunity to urge as many countries as possible to sign the Ottawa Convention and will press for complementary action to promote a global ban on anti-personnel landmines in international fora, including the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva.