HC Deb 26 May 1954 vol 528 cc400-1
47. Mr. Beswick

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations have been made by the native inhabitants of Rongelap and Utirik islands, both trusteeship territories, to the United Nations about hydrogen bomb tests in the Pacific; what injuries have been sustained by these people; how far they were from the recent explosions; and what action was taken by Her Majesty's representative at the United Nations Trusteeship Council, with regard to these representations.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

Her Majesty's Government have no responsibility in the matter except as members of the Trusteeship Council. We have no information other than that contained in the petition which was circulated in a United Nations Trusteeship Council document of 6 May, a copy of which has been placed in the Library.

Mr. Beswick

Although having no wish to criticise the general administration of the United States authorities, to whom, indeed, the Marshallese people have paid a notable tribute, is the hon. Gentleman aware of reports in this country which say that ordinary people of Utirik, which is 511 miles away from the explosion, are now complaining of changes in their bloodstream, of their hair falling out and of nausea? Ought we not, having a responsibility on the Trusteeship Council, to be in possession of the full facts on this matter?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

I think the distance is not 500 miles, but about 250 miles, according to the information I have, but I quite agree that it is far enough. We had better see if some reply or formal observations are made by the United States Government, and then we can proceed further.

Mr. J. Dugdale

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are many British possessions scattered throughout the Pacific, and will he ask the United States Government to ensure that none of their hydrogen bomb tests takes place near any of them?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

I think it most unlikely that they will.

Mr. Beswick

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the United States have already made observations on this petition, and are we to understand that Her Majesty's representative on the Trusteeship Council took no further action in the matter?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

They have made no formal observations as yet to the United Nations, where our representative sits.