§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they are taking to ensure that states parties to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention return to negotiations for a credible verification protocol and that the biotechnology industry actively participates in those negotiations. [HL1294]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe Government continue to believe that the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention would be strengthened by verification measures, as recommended in the recent United Nations high-level panel report. We will continue to work closely with states party, including in preparation for the 2006 review conference, to strengthen the convention in ways that can be collectively supported.
§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they are taking to ensure that states parties to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention negotiate a new bio-security protocol to classify dangerous biological agents and to establish binding international standards for the export of such agents. [HL1330]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe Government are ready to consider this recommendation of the recent United Nations high-level panel report positively. But we will need to consider, with our international partners, how it fits with current obligations under the Australia Group export control regime.