HC Deb 24 May 1950 vol 475 cc2037-8
14. Mr. Blackburn

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he is taking to make use of the forth coming visit to London of Mr. Trygve Lie, Secretary-General of the United Nations Organisation, for the discussion of a fresh approach by the United Nations to the control of weapons of mass destruction including the atomic and the hydrogen bomb.

Mr. Ernest Davies

The international control of weapons of mass destruction was among the subjects covered during my right hon. Friend's confidential talks with Mr. Trygve Lie yesterday. Mr. Lie is already well aware of His Majesty's Government's readiness to resume consultations in the United Nations as soon as the Soviet Union signifies its readiness to attend. The proper forum is the group of the six permanent members of the Atomic Energy Commission set up by the Assembly in 1948.

Mr. Blackburn

While I am glad to hear that the Government are now prepared to make a fresh approach in this matter, may I ask my hon. Friend whether active steps will be taken as soon as the problem of Chinese representation is solved, so that this matter is immediately discussed by the United Nations?

Mr. Davies

Once the question of Chinese representation has been settled and the Soviet representatives return to the Atomic Energy Commission, His Majesty's Government are prepared to resume the talks, as indeed we are now prepared to do.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Has Mr. Lie's visit in any way advanced the control of these weapons of destruction, and, if so, will my hon. Friend indicate in what way?

Mr. Davies

As I have stated, these talks are of a confidential nature and it is better to wait until Mr. Lie himself makes any statement.