Orders of the Day — Arms Control and Disarmament (Inspections) Bill [Lords] – in the House of Commons am 11:56 pm ar 9 Gorffennaf 1991.
I was not clear about the Minister's response on Second Reading. He said that there were reserve powers on the treaty, that areas essential for national security were excluded, and that equipment might be "shrouded", whatever that means. Presumably it means putting a camouflage sheet over a new and secret tank so that inspectors cannot see it. It all sounds terribly childish. The military's childish obsession has cost this country dear in money and human life and limb.
Clause 2(1) states:
The Secretary of State may issue an authorisation
For "may", should we read "shall"—or does it mean that there is discretion to refuse a challenge inspection? Clause 2(1) also states that the inspection may be made
within any specified area in the United Kingdom",
albeit the inspection is made under the protocol.
I hope that, in relation to the important issue of arms control and verification, the legislation will illuminate for other countries any shadowy areas. An important element of such legislation is the building of confidence between nations. People arm themselves when they are suspicious and suspect that other nations may not behave well towards them. The eradication of suspicion is another step towards reducing the amount of arms that people claim, often falsely, that they need for their nation's defence. Will the Minister elaborate on the definition and application of clause 2(1)?
I shall write to the hon. Gentleman with further information. I am happy to underline the principal point that, in the national interest, the Bill allows us to deny access to sensitive areas. I am not able at this time to say precisely in what circumstances the Secretary of State and other senior members of the Government would seek to exercise that discretion. Clearly, it would be exercised in a matter of great national importance. As I have said, I cannot go into details at this time.