Farron questions Minister on cluster munitions

4.00.00pm GMT Wed 1st Nov 2006

Local MP, Tim Farron questioned Defence Minister Adam Ingram on the Government's refusal to back an international ban on cluster munitions. Cluster bombs, such as those used in the recent conflict in Lebanon can cause horrendous injury even long after a conflict has ended.

Tim Farron said:

"Many constituents have raised the issue of cluster bombs with me at my surgeries, and rightly so. Unexploded cluster bombs litter conflict zones around the globe, endangering the lives of civilians, and this Government should back an international ban on them immediately.

"When I questioned the Minister he refused to state that the Government would consider backing an international ban and I think that this is an unacceptable position to take."