Written question asked by Llew Smith (Labour) on Thursday, 6 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 November 2003. It was answered by Denis MacShane (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 November 2003 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what proposals the UK will put forward to strengthen the comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty at the preparatory conference, 21st session, to be held from 10th to 14th November.

Answer: Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals the UK will put forward to strengthen the comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty at the preparatory conference, Twenty- First session, to be held from 10 to 14 November 2003. [137940] Mr. MacShane: The Twenty-First Session of the Preparatory Commission (Prepcom) of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which took place in Vienna from 10 to 14 November 2003, dealt primarily with the 2004 Budget for the Provisional Technical Secretariat. The CTBT has yet to enter into force and the Prepcom has no powers to strengthen the Treaty itself. The UK has always been at the forefront of efforts to maintain the build-up of the Treaty's International Monitoring System. We consider it a priority to ensure that the Treaty's verification requirements can be met at entry into force and will continue to provide appropriate assistance to promote this end.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 137940; 413 c769-70W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Nuclear weapons Nuclear test ban Proliferation Treaties Verification
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk