HC Deb 10 November 1998 vol 319 c126W
Mrs. Gillan

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to review the UK's policy on sanctions against Pakistan. [59277]

Mr. Fatchett

The measures which the UK and the international community took in response to nuclear tests by Pakistan and India are kept under constant review. We regularly consult our partners on the two countries' progress on nuclear non-proliferation and regional security, most recently at a meeting of the Task Force of Senior Officials held in London on 30 October.

Mrs. Gillan

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect of the imposition of sanctions on Pakistan by the USA on the prospects of Pakistan signing the Non-Proliferation Agreement. [59280]

Mr. Fatchett

We welcome the progress made by Pakistan on regional security and nuclear nonproliferation since its nuclear tests at the end of May, namely Pakistan's stated intention to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, its participation in negotiations on the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty and the resumption of talks with India. We attach importance to further progress, in particular the unconditional signature and ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.