§ 48. Mr. Doddsasked the Prime Minister if he will now take the initiative in calling a conference for the purpose of endeavouring to find ways and means of outlawing the hydrogen bomb and all atomic weapons, in view of the desire of the people that he should do so.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer my hon. Friend to my statement on this subject in the House of Commons on 6th March.
§ Mr. DoddsIs the Prime Minister aware that there are people in all walks of life who really believe that more must be done; and is he further aware that his own prestige would be enhanced if he would take the initiative? I do ask 746 the Prime Minister to make some special effort that will serve as an inspiration to the United Nations organisation.
§ The Prime MinisterThe initiative was taken as long ago as 1945. We have been pressing this matter continuously. It is now before the United Nations, and I do not think that some new approach will get over the difficulty. The difficulty, as everybody knows, is the unwillingness of Soviet Russia to join in putting into force and agreeing to the only effective plans that could stop this menace.
§ 54. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he is taking to initiate further international discussion of proposals for the abolition of the hydrogen bomb.
§ The Minister of State (Mr. Younger)I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by the Prime Minister in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Dartford (Mr. Dodds).
§ Mr. HughesBut is the Minister not aware that the hydrogen bomb has made our present preparations and armaments obsolete? As, in the event of this bomb being used, the worst sufferers would be people in congested areas in these islands does he not think that His Majesty's Government should take more initiative in this matter?
§ Mr. YoungerMy right hon. Friend the Prime Minister made a statement last week and answered a Question a few minutes ago. I do not think I can add to that.