---

Cluster Munitions (Prohibitions) Bill [HL]

We come to Clause 6, which deals with other purposes permitted by the convention—permitted purposes, in other words—by which cluster munitions may continue to be held and treated. I am not sure whether they continue to be assembled as well, but the Minister may be able to clarify that. The amendment would simply put a little more definition and precision into the question of the amount of munitions that may be necessary for certain permitted purposes. The one in my mind is how many may be kept for research, experiment and development. To what degree will the research and experimentation need to match further weapons development, however regrettable that may be, in countries that are not signatories to the convention and that may continue to want to use these horrific weapons—and not only countries but non-state actors as well, along with certain countries that are irresponsible and do not respond to or act in accordance with the higher aims of global co-operation behind this convention? That is why the amendment is here, and I should be grateful if the Minister could comment on it.