HC Deb 20 November 1952 vol 507 cc2041-3
46. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Prime Minister if he will discuss with the new President of the United States of America the possibility of exchanging information about the explosion of the British atomic bomb at Monte Bello for information of the results of the tests of the explosion of a hydrogen bomb by the United States Atomic Energy Commission at Eniwetok Atoll.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Winston Churchill)

I hope that we shall have an opportunity of discussing matters of this kind with the United States Government after the new President has taken office.

Mr. Hughes

Has the Prime Minister read the statement of an eminent British scientist, that the hydrogen bomb is 50 times more powerful than other atom bombs, and, if so, is it not essential that the whole matter should be discussed and a ban placed upon the bomb in the interests of civilisation?

The Prime Minister

I have heard all sort of estimates of the increased power of the hydrogen bomb over the existing atom bomb. They vary from the 50 mentioned by the hon. Member to 1,000 times. This carries the anxious forebodings of the hon. Gentleman to an even deeper level. I in no way dissociate myself from his anxiety as to the future of the human race.

Mr. Hughes

Is that not all the more reason why greater initiative should be taken in international discussions?

The Prime Minister

I thought the answer I gave to the Question was one which did full justice to the matter.

Mr. Noel-Baker

As we all share the horror which the Prime Minister has expressed at the constantly increasing power of these weapons, will he renew the assurance that we are ready to accept at once a plan for their total abolition adopted by the Assembly of the United Nations, or any other effective plan, and will he lay in the Library the text of the speech made in New York by the Foreign Secretary on the work of the Disarmament Commission?

The Prime Minister

The first part of that question raises very large issues. In regard to the second part, I should like to have notice.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Surely we can be told whether we stand by the scheme for abolition which the Western Powers and the Assembly adopted.

The Prime Minister

We stand by all the broad decisions which have been taken by the United Nations to which we have given our accord.