§ 39 and 40. Mr. Lubbockasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is Her Majesty's Government's policy regarding the carrying by the United States Air Force of chemical and biological weapons in United States aircraft over British territory;
(2) if he will give details of the stocks of nerve gases or other chemical and biological warfare agents maintained by the United States forces in Great Britain.
§ Mr. John MorrisNo stocks of biological or chemical warfare agents are maintained by the United States forces in this country, and no weapons of this kind are carried over British territory by aircraft of the United States Air Force.
§ Mr. LubbockIs the hon. Gentleman aware that that statement will be very reassuring to the people of this country? Will he give an undertaking that no such flights will be permitted by Her Majesty's Government or that no stocks of these weapons will be allowed to be maintained in this country? Would he agree that if we were to allow this to be done it would be a serious breach of our undertakings under the Geneva Convention of 1925?
§ Mr. MorrisSince we have received no such request, the question does not arise.
§ Sir Harmar NichollsOn a point of order. Mr. Speaker. Since an hon. Member is responsible for the accuracy of his actions or statements, were not the last two Questions dangerous in the absence of grounds for the words in them?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Gentleman has answered his own point of order. An hon. Member is responsible for the 1501 accuracy of the information in his Question.
§ Mr. Lubbockrose—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Question Time goes on.
§ Mr. BrooksIs my hon. Friend aware that it was only with the very greatest difficulty that the United States Congress discovered many of the facts relating to the movement of these weapons across the territory of the United States? Is he absolutely satisfied that Her Majesty's Government are being provided with full and accurate information on this matter?
§ Mr. MorrisI have made my inquiries, and I am in no doubt whatever about the facts that I have given the House.
§ Mr. Lubbockrose—
§ Mr. SpeakerPerhaps the hon. Gentleman would raise his point of order at the end of Questions.