Written question asked by Jeremy Corbyn (Labour) on Thursday, 3 May 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 11 May 2001. It was answered by Keith Vaz (Labour) on Friday, 11 May 2001 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the compatibility of space-based energy weapons systems using nuclear power with the non-proliferation treaty. - (Holding answer 10 May 2001).

Answer: Mr. Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make an assessment of the compatibility of space-based energy weapons systems using nuclear power with the non-proliferation treaty. [160803] Mr. Vaz: [holding answer 10 May 2001]: Space-based energy weapons systems using nuclear power for non- explosive purposes would be compatible with obligations of both nuclear-weapon state and non-nuclear weapon state parties to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Spaced-based energy systems using nuclear power for explosives would be compatible with the obligations of nuclear-weapons state parties to the Treaty but not with the obligations of non-nuclear weapon state parties to the Treaty.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 368 c457W;368 c458W; 160803
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Nuclear weapons Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Antisatellite weapons
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk