§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
What representations they have made to the United States Government about the refusal of the United States to endorse the draft protocol to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention; and what action they will now take to strengthen the effectiveness of the convention. [HL712]
§ The Minister for Trade (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)The UK joined its EU partners in expressing regret at the US decision to withdraw support from the draft protocol in a statement on 26 July 2001. We welcome the fact that the United States has made clear that it continues to support the strengthening of the Biological and 'Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) and would be coming forward with specific proposals in advance of the BTWC Review Conference due to take place in Geneva (19 November to 7 December). Unfortunately, these consultations have been delayed by the tragic events in the United States of 11 September.