§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have considered the recommendations of the Atlanta consultation on the future of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty; and, if so, what is their response. [HL1559]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanWe have recently received a copy of the Atlanta consultation document from the chairman of the Middle Powers Initiative, the organisation that conducted the consultation, and have had the opportunity to discuss its recommendations with him. We do not intend to make a more formal response.
§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether an agenda has yet been agreed for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) review conference in May 2005; whether they wish to add items to the agenda; if so, which; and whether states possessing nuclear weapons, which are not parties to the NPT, will be invited to attend. [HL1560]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe last session of the preparatory committee for the 2005 review conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) did not finalise all the procedural arrangements for the NPT and did not agree an agenda. It is now for the review conference in May to consider and agree on this issue. The UK made no proposals for items to be added to the draft agenda which was discussed at the last meeting of the preparatory committee. It is for the review conference to decide whether any state not party to the treaty, and which has applied for observer status to the Secretary-General of the conference, may be granted that status.
§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
To what extent each of the parties to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has implemented the priorities agreed at the 2000 NPT review conference. [HL1561]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanWe are not in a position to say to what extent other signatories to the treaty have implemented the steps agreed in the 2000 final document. However, many states' parties have issued reports on their activities within the framework of the NPT strengthened review process as agreed in 1995. The United Kingdom will be making a national statement, including on our progress on treaty related issues, at the review conference in May.
§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether each of the parties to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty have matched the Government's reduction of 70 per cent in the explosive power of their nuclear weapons since the end of the Cold War; and, if not, what steps they are taking to persuade them to do so. [HL1562]
111WA
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanWe are proud of our record on disarmament and the substantial reduction in our own nuclear explosive power since the end of the Cold War. It is for other states to comment on their own nuclear weapons policy, but we continue to support mutual and balanced reductions in the numbers of nuclear weapons worldwide. Progress on nuclear disarmament by states parties to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty will be discussed at the treaty's forthcoming review conference, to take place in New York from 2 to 27 May. The UK will participate fully in all aspects of the conference.