HC Deb 19 April 1955 vol 540 cc24-5
40. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he has taken during the last month, and is now taking, to stop experimental explosions of atomic hydrogen and thermo-nuclear bombs.

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Harold Macmillan)

Her Majesty's Government have continued during the past month to work in the Disarmament Commission of the United Nations for agreement on a comprehensive disarmament programme; such an agreement would render test explosions unnecessary. This conference is still sitting.

Mr. Hughes

Does the Minister realise that that answer contains nothing of a concrete character, and that in a matter of this mortal urgency to the human race the Government should have taken urgent steps long ago? Will he do something about it?

Mr. Macmillan

As the hon. and learned Member knows, with regard to the more technical aspects of the question, we have already referred the matter to the Medical Research Council and we are waiting its report.

Mr. Hughes

Why delay?

Mr. A. Henderson

Has any action been taken to have the proposal of the Government of India for a truce in atomic experiments considered either by the Disarmament Sub-Committee now sitting, or by the Commission in New-York?

Mr. Macmillan

All these matters can and will arise in the Disarmament Commission if we get the kind of co-operation which I hope will be possible within the next few months.

Mr. Hughes

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply on this vital matter, I beg to give notice that I shall raise it on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.