§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Prime Minister when NATO will commence a review of its nuclear weapons policy. [116505]
§ The Prime MinisterAt the Washington Summit in April 1999, the Alliance approved a revised Strategic Concept which set out NATO's political and military policy, including nuclear policy. All aspects of this policy are kept under regular review.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Prime Minister how he has responded to the request from the United Nations Messenger of Peace, Michael Douglas, that he take the lead in promoting a new round of multilateral negotiations on nuclear weapons non-proliferation and disarmament. [116506]
§ The Prime MinisterWhen they met on 21 March, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs emphasised to Mr. Douglas our commitment to advancing the goal of nuclear disarmament and to reaching a successful outcome to the forthcoming Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Prime Minister if he will appoint a special representative to promote non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. [116504]
§ The Prime MinisterI have no plans to do so. We are unequivocally committed to nuclear non-proliferation, and to the goal of nuclear disarmament. This can be best achieved through the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Neath (Mr. Hain), who has responsibility for non-proliferation issues, will represent the United Kingdom at the Review Conference of the Non-proliferation Treaty in New York from 24 April to 19 May.