§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they are taking to dissuade the United States Senate from withdrawing United States funding from the Global Monitoring System being set up to police the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, which Treaty the Senate recently refused to ratify. [HL4514]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalThe US Administration have made clear to us that they remain committed to seeking full funding from Congress of the US share of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organisation's budget, through the normal US budgetary process.
We are aware of reports that opponents of the treaty in Congress may seek to cut US funding to the treaty organisation. The same reports note widespread support for a global monitoring system, including among some Senators who voted against the treaty. We have made clear to all concerned the importance we attach to the treaty, and its monitoring system. We will continue to monitor the situation closely as budgetary negotiations continue.