Written question asked by Tony Benn (Labour) on Monday, 6 December 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 December 1999. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Monday, 13 December 1999 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what advice he has sought on the legality of British nuclear deterrence policy; what review of nuclear targeting policy he has conducted since the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on the Legality of the Threat or Use of Nuclear Weapons of 8th July 1996; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Tony Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what advice he has sought on the legality of British nuclear deterrence policy; [102127] (2) what review of nuclear targeting policy he has conducted since the International Court of Justice advisory opinion on the Legality of the Threat or Use of Nuclear Weapons of 8 July 1996; and if he will make a statement. [102126] Mr. Hoon: Legal considerations are always taken into account in the formulation and application of defence policy. I am confident that our nuclear policy and posture, as set out most recently in the Strategic Defence Review, is entirely compatible with our obligations under international law.

Secondary information