APPENDIX 32
Memorandum submitted by Mrs Ann Hillier
Very little progress has been made on the Non-Proliferation
Treaty (NPT) since the last major review in 1995. Since then more
nuclear devices have been tested—recently by India and Pakistan;
there is no evidence of new support from non-committed nations;
and the signatories have made no substantial progress in carrying
out their agreements. There is therefore much work to be done
to prove effectiveness on our part.
We have signed up to article 6, which says we
will: "pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures
relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date
and to nuclear disarmament". Unfortunately this government,
despite its apparent support for world-wide disarmament, does
nothing to carry it out.
— We continue to reiterate that a nuclear
deterrent is needed by us, and do not reduce spending on nuclear
devices.
— We maintain current stocks of plutonium,
and do not allow them to be covered by the Fissile Material Cut-Off
Treaty, thus negating our commitment there.
— We put no limits on the use of Menwith
Hill base by the USA, though the extensions they are making will
be used for their new Ballistic Missile Defence System, which
runs counter to their, and our, commitment to the Anti-Ballistic
Missile Treaty.
The UK could take action on all of these points.
Without evidence that the NPT signatories are making some effort
to activate the treaty, no other progress is likely to be made.
It is up to us to act on this. We have taken on an obligation
that we need to carry through. I hope your committee will make
firm recommendations to this effect.
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