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Cluster Munitions (Prohibitions) Bill [HL]

My Lords, I am grateful to the Minister. On the last point, I was coming to the question of those of our allies who regrettably are not yet signatories to the convention and who hold stockpiles of cluster munitions, and how we cope with that, particularly when they are on British soil. Perhaps I can return to that, if the opportunity arises, when we look at later clauses. I am satisfied with what the Minister says about the guidance sought by our amendment to Clause 6, but the noble Lord, Lord Ramsbotham, makes the very good point that as the thinking evolves—we are in a new area in many ways, although there are similarities with the landmines legislation—it may be possible to have a clearer definition of the amounts and the nature of the weapons and the nature of the systems by which they are stored and held for the future in circumscribing them with the necessary legislation. Perhaps that lies in the future. In the mean time, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment 2 withdrawn. Clause 6 agreed. Clauses 7 to 8 agreed. Clause 9 : International military operations and activities Clause 9 : International military operations and activities Debate on whether Clause 9 should stand part of the Bill.